Online Desk: Child birth is a matter of honor and happiness for a woman. It is mentioned in the Hadith Sharif that when a woman is pregnant and is satisfied with her husband, then there is always the reward of fasting and nafl prayers throughout the night.
And when the labor pains begin, what blessings are hidden for her, no inhabitant of heaven and earth knows. When she gives birth, one nekki is given for every drop of her milk. If the child keeps her awake at night (crying and disturbing the mother and not allowing her to sleep) then he will have the reward of freeing 70 perfect slaves for the sake of Allah.’ (Tabarani: 6908; Majmauz Jawaid: 4/305)
If a woman dies during pregnancy, she will get the status of martyr. Rasul (pbuh) said, ‘Besides being killed (martyr) in the way of Allah, there are seven other types of martyrs – 1. Martyr who died in epidemic. 2. Martyr who died in water. 3. Martyr who died of paralysis. 4. Martyrs who die due to stomach diseases (cholera, diarrhoea, etc.). 5. Martyr who died by fire. 6. Martyr dying by being buried under something and 7. A woman who dies in pregnancy is also a martyr.’ (Abu Dawud: 3111)
Therefore, pregnant women have a special status in Islam. They are encouraged to do several things in the Qur’an and Hadith. One of them is to pray for the welfare of the unborn child. This teaching can be seen in the life of Hazrat Maryam’s mother. When he was given the good news about the child, the supplication he made in the court of the Almighty is mentioned in verse 35 of Surah Al-Imran. As a result of that supplication, Allah Ta’ala gave him a pregnant daughter like Maryam (A.S.), who was the mother of Prophet Jesus (A.S.). Therefore, Islam teaches pregnant women to make that supplication to have a healthy child. The supplication is— رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنْكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاء ‘Rabbi Habli Minladunka Jurriatan Tayibatan Innaka Samiuddua’, that is, ‘O my Lord! Bestow on me a holy child on your behalf. Surely You are the Hearer of prayer.’ (Surah Ale Imran: 38)
You can also pray for a son with good intentions. For example – رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ ‘Rabbi Habli Minas Salihin’, that is, ‘O my Lord! Grant me righteous sons.’ (Surah Saffat: 100)
The good news of pregnancy should not be shared with many people. Of course, there is no obstacle to inform everyone after birth. Rasul (pbuh) said, ‘Some happy news should be kept secret. Because not every news listener becomes a friend.’ (Tabrani)
The purpose of the hadith is the effect of violence and hatred on people. And it is the responsibility of a mother to keep the child who is about to arrive safe from danger. So the mother should give the news of pregnancy only to those who will be happy about it; Don’t think of anything bad.
Gratitude to Allah is also the responsibility of pregnant women. Its effect is also transferred to the future child. Many women remain childless despite trying all their lives. Therefore, it is a blessed act for a pregnant woman to thank Allah since the realization of motherhood. Allah Ta’ala says, ‘Express my gratitude; Be not ungrateful.’ (Surah Baqarah: 152)
Ibadah during pregnancy is much more expensive and valuable than other times. So at this time there should be busy worshiping Allah and dhikr. One should be more careful about prayer. Quran should be recited as much as possible. Also, Islam emphasizes on always being pure, in a state of ablution. These are also reasons for physical and mental peace. When it was time for prayer, the Prophet (PBUH) used to say to Belal (RA), arrange for prayer and satisfy me through it. (Abu Dawud: 4333)
A woman who is going to be a mother needs to show patience and little appeasement. It is very important for a pregnant woman to try to get rid of the bad habits that make human life miserable, such as jealousy, pride, lies. Avoiding useless or unnecessary talk is another valuable practice. Don’t go out unless necessary. Unborn children also participate in these activities. As a result, it can also affect him and he will be a witness to every action of the mother before Allah.
You should be very careful about haram food during pregnancy. At this time, since the child grows up by taking the mother’s blood, so this blood should not contain any sin.
It is also recommended to stay away from haram activities such as – looking at other people, enjoying immoral things through TV or devices, going naked.
It is hoped that Allah will grant him good children, which will make his later life happy. It is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, “With hardship there is happiness.” (Surah Inshirah: 6)
May Allah protect every expectant mother from all kinds of complications. Grant Tawfiq to follow Islamic guidelines during pregnancy. Amen.
