What is the ruling on a husband who abstains from having children for fear of poverty and financial hardship, refusing his wife's request to conceive despite her advanced age?

It is not the husband's right to practice coitus interruptus (azl) without his wife's consent, because jurists have prohibited this, basing their reasoning on the wife's right to enjoyment and offspring. They cite the hadith of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade practicing azl with a free woman except with her permission. Furthermore, the excuse of being bothered by the screaming of children is a weak justification, for life is not devoid of annoyances, and one may regret not having children in old age. This is in addition to missing out on numerous worldly and otherworldly benefits. Therefore, azl without the wife's consent is impermissible. If she consents, then one should not avoid procreation, as Allah is the Provider. It is recommended to be patient, supplicate, and advise the husband.