Pregnancy clause in work contract

24 Aug 2011 11:30 GMT

There is a clause in an employment contract stipulating that a female employee is not allowed to get pregnant during the contractual period of two years. In the event of pregnancy, she will be dismissed without compensation. Is this valid in Islamic Law?

Answered by

the Scientific Research Committee - IslamToday.net

This condition is valid in an employment contract, since it is for the sake of the work being carried out. For many occupations, pregnancy seriously and detrimentally affects work performance.

However, the woman may not accept this condition unless her husband does as well. Having children is a shared right for both the husband and wife. It is permissible, however, for both parties to elect not to have children for a certain period of time.

And Allah knows best.

Source: Islam Today

-- Al Arabiya Digital