ISLAMABAD: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) is split over endorsement for birth spacing to ensure maternal and child health, sources told Dawn on Thursday.

The CII, which advises parliament on how to align legislation with the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), held a one-day consultative session in collaboration with the Population Council on Thursday.

In the declaration issued after the session, CII members declared appropriate birth spacing essential for the health of mothers and children.

These methods also `align with Islamic teachings and social responsibility`.

Sources in the Council told Dawn the CII members were divided on the issue.

One group of traditional clerics opposed the term family planning and expressed concernsover concepts like birth spacing.

However, another group opposed their peers and expressed serious concerns over the rising population and called for the active promotion of birth control methods.

The commission decided that Islam`s principle of `Mizan` (balance) supported a responsible approach to parenting.

The session titled `The Concept of Mizan and Ihsan (excellence)in Islam: Balancing Resources and Population Our Survival, Our Future` was presided over by CII Chairman Allama Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi.

The meeting explored Islamic and constitutional perspectives on family protection, maternal and child health, and rising population.

The scholars unanimously agreed that in cases of legitimate medical or social need such as risk to the mother`s life, severe weakness, multiple surgeries, or breastfeeding needs temporary family planning is permissible in Shariah.In his opening remarks, Dr Ali Mohammad Mir, senior director of programmes and research at the Population Council, said the rising birth rate was linked to serious challenges, particularly in maternal and child health, including complications and diseases that could impact future generations.

He highlighted the national narrative titled `Tawazun` (balance), which the government developed in consultation with religious leaders to promote responsible family planning.

The declaration issued after the meeting noted that Islam placed great importance on protecting life and lineage, two of the core objectives of Shariah.

`Ensuring maternal and child health and family wellbeing is, therefore, a religious duty,` the declaration said.

While the declaration added birth control methods should be used `within Islamic bounds` and not involve `harmful or impermissible practices`,it did not elaborate on permissible methods.

The scholars noted the Holy Quran encouraged mothers to breastfeed for two years, which naturally leads to spacing between births. This ensures that children receive proper health, nutrition, and education.

The session decided that the Constitution also obliged the state to ensure public welfare, quality health and education, and family security.

`Therefore, balancing population and resources, securing a healthy future generation, and promoting women`s participation are national responsibilities`, the declaration said The scholars also pledged to spread awareness among the public, clarify misconceptions and guide society toward family wellbeing.

Talking to Dawn, CII member Allama Tahir Ashrafi said that issues like birth spacing and traditional misconceptions associated with them cannot be handled alone by clerics only. `The state too has to play an active role.