Objective: To determine the knowledge and use of modern contraceptives among Muslim women in Zaria, Nigeria and recommend ways to increase uptake thus reducing maternal morbidity and mortality related to high parity. Methods: 200 Muslim women in Zaria were interviewed between August 1 and October 31, 2003. Results: Majority (92.5%) had some knowledge about modern contraceptives but only 9% knew >3 methods and hospitals were their most common source of information. The rate of previous contraceptive use was 21% while current use was 13%. Unmet need for contraception was 7.5% mainly due to fear of side effects (60%) and husband's disapproval (26.7%). Contraception was believed to be unIslamic by 16% of the women. of the women who had Islamic education alone, 58.1% believed that contraception was unIslamic (p = 0.04). Conclusion: There is inadequate knowledge of modern contraceptives and misconceptions exist about the position of Islam on contraception. Muslim women and men, and Islamic leaders and teachers should be adequately informed on these issues.

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