Religion not against family planning –Sultan, CAN

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakaar III, and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, have thrown their weights behind family planning initiative, saying the two religions are not against it.
According to them, it is for the improvement of quality of lives and well being of Nigerians.
The religious leaders spoke with journalists on Wednesday evening in Abuja  during the on-going second Nigeria Family Planning Conference.
The Sultan who was represented by one of his aides, Alhahi Sani Jabbi, said  family planning had a special recognition in Islam right from the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
He said, “It is true that the ‘azl’ – meaning coitus interruptus – was widely practiced by the companions of the Prophet and with the permission of the prophet (SAW).”
However, Abubakaar said adopting family planning methods for the sake of preventing poverty alone was a clear contradiction to the Islamic viewpoint.
He said, “While it is unfortunate to see many children in this country roaming the streets helplessly and hopelessly, Islam does not advocate the bearing of children to the streets, becoming victims of negative circumstances in the name of seeking for religious knowledge or other social reasons.
“It is the responsibility of every parent to ensure the sound upbringing of their children. For a woman who is medically and professionally advised to adopt family planning due to a recognised need, Islam has no counter argument to that.”
CAN President, who was represented by  Rev. Kennedy Opara, said if religious and traditional leaders were well informed, they would lead the masses on the path of national well being and development.
According to him,  while the religions are against abortion as a population control measure, all measures that will improve the quality of life, child-spacing inclusive, are acceptable in the Christendom.