Pregnancy is a time of joy in a woman's life, and also of physical change, fatigue and worry about the child to come. Prothom Alo's religion desk writes that alongside regular medical care, reliance on Allah can bring an expectant mother peace of mind.
The Quran records the prayer of the aged Prophet Zakariya (as) for a child. Although his age made a child unlikely, he did not despair of Allah's mercy. According to Ibn Kathir's tafsir, he made this supplication after seeing the miraculous provision Allah had given Maryam.
The supplication reads: Rabbi hab li min ladunka dhurriyyatan tayyibah; innaka sami'ud du'a. Its meaning: My Lord, grant me from Yourself good offspring; indeed, You are the Hearer of prayer. (Surah Al Imran, verse 38)
The article notes that the phrase 'dhurriyyatan tayyibah', good offspring, holds a prayer for the child's physical, mental and spiritual well-being. In the explanation of the exegete Abdur Rahman al-Sa'di, a good child is one whose outward conduct and inner character are both praiseworthy before Allah and people.
Alongside regular check-ups and nutritious food on a doctor's advice, the supplication can become part of daily life, especially after the five daily prayers, at times of illness or discomfort, and on the way to see the doctor. The article cites the narration in Sunan al-Tirmidhi (hadith 3370): supplication is the essence of worship.
Written by the religion desk, Prothom Alo
Photo: Ashikul Islam Anik / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Source: Prothom Alo
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