The Pros and Cons of the Childfree Lifestyle and Reflections on the Interpretation of the Qur’an, Surah al-Kahf [18]: 46

The childfree phenomenon gained prominence in Indonesia in 2020 after an influencer publicly declared the choice not to have children. Although this practice had already been recognized in other countries, particularly in the United States since 2018, the statement sparked strong debates ranging from support to opposition. Using a qualitative approach, this article explores why the childfree decision provoked such significant reactions. Findings indicate that the Qur’an does not explicitly prohibit the childfree choice, yet several verses are often cited as arguments by both sides. Supporters highlight Surah al-Taḥrīm [66]:6, qū anfusakum (“protect yourselves”), as a reminder that children are a heavy trust requiring serious responsibility. Surah al-Syūrā [42]:50, with the term ‘aqīman (“barren”), underscores Allah’s absolute authority in granting or withholding offspring, showing that a state of childlessness can occur by divine will. Opponents, however, refer to Surah al-Naḥl [16]:72, which describes humans created in pairs to produce descendants, and Surah al-Isrā’ [17]:31, which forbids killing children out of fear of poverty. Yet these verses do not explicitly forbid choosing to remain childfree. Surah al-Kahf [18]:46 portrays children as zīnatul-ḥayāh (adornments of worldly life), but emphasizes that enduring righteous deeds (al-bāqiyātus-ṣāliḥāt) hold greater value. Thus, while children are seen as worldly adornments and generational continuity, the decision to be childfree motivated by awareness of responsibility rather than rejection of procreation cannot be classified as haram (forbidden).