“I observe that whatever people do, they do it purely for worldly purposes. Even love is driven by worldly motivations, not for the sake of God. If one desires offspring, one should do so with the following intention:
وَّاجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِیۡنَ اِمَامًا
“‘And make us a model for the righteous.’ [Surah al-Furqan, Ch. 25: V. 75]
“One should have this in view that a child may be born who would serve as a means to uphold the religion of Islam. When such a pure desire is there, then Allah the Exalted is capable of granting offspring as [He granted to] Zechariah[as]. However, I see that people’s vision does not extend beyond their orchard or some other property, [thinking] that [the child] would be its heir and no other relative may lay claim to it. But such an unfortunate individual does not consider that once they die, their friends and foes, and relatives and non-relatives will all become equal.
“I have seen many people and heard them say, ‘Pray that a child is born who would inherit this property. May it not happen that after our death, some claimant takes it away. Let there be a child, even if he is ill-behaved.’ They are left with this much understanding of Islam! […] So remember, a believer’s ultimate objective in every comfort, every statement and action, motion and rest – though it might outwardly seem to be a moment of objection – is in fact, worship. There are many acts which are deemed objectionable by the ignorant, but they are considered worship in the sight of God. However, if there is no sincerity in one’s intentions, then even salat becomes a yoke of curse.”
(Malfuzat [1988], Vol. 3, pp. 578-579)