Please tell me the ruling of a woman using contraceptive means to prevent pregnancy. Recently I had a miscarriage and I was advised by the doctors not to get pregnant for six months or so, until I had healed. At first my husband and I decided that he would pull out from me or use protection. However this failed, and I was extremely worried I would get pregnant soon, so I discussed using contraception with my husband and he agreed. The contraception that I am using is placed in my arm. Though I do not suffer any major side effects, I do suffer from irregular bleeding. Should I treat this as menstruation? When this occurs I don't pray or read Qur’aan until I'm clean again. Please advise me.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

The bleeding that results from contraceptive use is not considered as usual menstrual bleeding rather it is considered as the prolonged flow of blood, or blood that comes due to a disease as long as it does not come during the customary period of menses. Therefore, you are considered in the state of purity and thus you are allowed to do anything that is usually permissible for a woman. As for the rulings of family planning, please read the Fatwa: 82423.

Allaah knows best.