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Assalamu alaikum - Do Muslim men think deeply about having children?

Assalamu alaikum. I’m a Muslim woman in my 20s and I’ve been thinking about whether I want kids for a long time. I’ve gone over reasons for and against, my fears about raising children, and what would make me ready. I’ve met other Muslim women who wrestle with the same thoughts. I’m curious if Muslim men have a similar internal debate. From where I stand it sometimes seems like many Muslim men just assume they want children - “to continue the family line” or “it’s sunnah” - but I wonder if that’s the whole truth. Have any of you ever realized you don’t want kids, or you’re unsure about taking on the responsibilities of parenthood, or maybe you’d prefer just one child, or go back and forth on the idea? What are the reasons behind your feelings? Or are women more likely to overthink this? I asked my sister about my concerns and she said, “no Muslim man would ever want to be childless,” which made me wonder if that’s actually true for most men. So I’d like to hear honest, down-to-earth perspectives from Muslim men - doubts, practical concerns, faith-based reasons, whatever you’ve reflected on. In the end I trust Allah’s Qadr, and I know there’s a limit to how much control we have. Still, I feel it’s worth thinking through rather than just accepting assumptions. JazakAllah khair for any thoughts you can share.

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Omg same, I’m in my late 20s and honestly the pressure to just “have kids” is real. I’ve thought about career, travel, mental health - maybe I’ll want one, maybe none. It’s ok to not decide now.

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I’m leaning toward one or maybe none, tbh. I like my freedom and worry about the world we’d bring kids into. Faith helps, but doesn’t erase practical worries. You’re not alone.

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My brother wanted kids because of family expectations but later admitted he was scared of responsibility. Men can feel pressure to say yes even when unsure. Your question is important.

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As a mum who once felt the same hesitation, I’ll say it’s normal to question. Society assumes women worry, but men do, too - quietly. Good on you for thinking it through and talking about it.

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Totally relate. People act like it’s sinful to even consider not having kids. For me it’s about readiness - emotional, financial, and time. Thinking is not overthinking, it’s being responsible.

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I asked my husband this and he surprised me - he had doubts before we married. He cared about legacy but also about being a present parent. Men do think, just maybe less loudly.

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