Someone sent a letter to Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah be his Helper), asking, “Does the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at permit surrogacy, and what is the status of surrogate mothers?” In a letter dated January 16, 2023, Huzoor-e-Anwar (may Allah be his Helper) responded:
“In surrogacy, the biological material from a husband and wife is developed within the womb of a woman who bears no lawful physical connection to this matter. Consequently, this practice is categorized under acts of indecency in light of Islamic teachings and is considered both illicit and sinful.
“Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IVrh also elucidated this matter in response to a query. He said:
‘Dismiss from your heart the idea that if a woman is infertile or a husband lacks the capacity to sire a child, then our endeavours through artificial means are inherently sinful. This is not a sin; rather, it represents a method to attain the favour of Allah. And should He decree otherwise, no amount of human effort can yield a child not destined to be born.
‘Here, [in the UK,]I have observed several Ahmadi women who, with my permission, endeavoured to conceive via in vitro fertilization. Despite repeated attempts—once, twice, even up to ten times—no success was forthcoming. The innate defensive mechanisms that preclude conception continued to prevail, and no medical prognosis proved accurate. On the other hand, there was one young woman who sought my permission [for medical treatment]; I advised her to pray and see what transpires. Subsequently, she appeared with two delightful children in her arms. Thus, such blessings can only be conferred by the will of Allah the Almighty. Nevertheless, assisting in the schemes devised by God does not amount to opposing His works nor does it constitute a sin. …
‘Therefore, this method [i.e., surrogacy] is unlawful as it contravenes the sacred laws of marriage and nikah established by Allah the Exalted. It represents a challenge to the system He has ordained for procreation. It is akin to forming a relationship with another woman without the bonds of marriage, or nikah, and then lauding the resultant child as virtuous. The child will invariably remain innocent, but the one who engages in such acts incurs sin. Hence, I counsel you that venturing into this particular domain constitutes sin. However, when legitimate efforts involve the gametes of both husband and wife, and assistance in conception is sought through their mutual relationship, it is not only permissible but also fitting, and in no way sinful.’ [Urdu Mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IVrh, April 29, 1994]
“Thus, according to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, surrogacy is fundamentally at odds with Islamic teachings and is an illegitimate method. Consequently, surrogate mothers do not possess any lawful status in Islam from an Islamic standpoint.”
