The Art of Childbirth

Childbirth Literature and the Newborn’s First University (Book Four in the Marriage University Series)

Contents

Chapter One: Childbirth Literature and the Newborn’s First University

Preserving modesty and safeguarding God’s trust in the delivery room; the mystery and wisdom of labour pains; the spiritual benefits of Surah al-Inshiqaq in easing childbirth; giving thanks for the birth of a healthy child; the etiquette of offering congratulations; and the newborn’s first university of innate nature, established by performing the prayer and reciting the call to prayer in the child’s ear.

Chapter Two: The First Week: Seven Duties and Newborn Rites

The rulings and mysteries of the seventh day; the obligation and etiquette of the ʿaqiqah, a sacrifice for the child’s well-being; the prayer to be recited at the slaughter; avoiding pagan customs; purification through circumcision; shaving the child’s head and giving charity equal to the weight of the hair in silver; piercing the ears; and the foundational principles of choosing a good name, especially names of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).

Chapter Three: The Great Art of Breast Milk and the Mysteries of Infant Feeding

Breast milk as heavenly nourishment and a complete remedy; its fundamental role in shaping a child and transmitting moral qualities; the dangers of milk from a woman who drinks wine or lacks sound judgment; feeding from both breasts; the recommended nursing period of up to 21 months; and ways to increase milk supply through diet and Surah al-Hujurat.

Chapter Four: Children’s Rights and the Golden Seven Years of Upbringing

The rights of young children; safeguarding modesty and marital conduct even in the presence of a baby in the cradle; the seven-year period when a child is treated as a young master, free to play; prioritising the teaching of the Quran and hadith before doubts and misconceptions take hold; teaching swimming and archery; charitable giving as part of a child’s upbringing; and the exalted place of honouring daughters.

Chapter Five: Psychological Subtleties, Physical Health and the Prophet’s Love for Children

The effect of lawful food on the purity of one’s descendants; the wonder of kissing a child and nurturing affection; the principle of playing with a child («فلیتصاب له»); the medical and spiritual wisdom of an infant’s crying; the strict prohibition against disciplining a child in anger; treatment with sawīq and strengthening the bones; and a standard growth chart.

Golden Passages from the Book

The Mystery of Labour Pain: The Roar of a Glorious World Born from Another World
“Labour pain is a sign and a warning that a glorious world is about to be born. Endure it: you are about to become the parent of a great world. Congratulations. Labour pain is the roar of a world from whose depths another world emerges. Labour pain is a mystery that will one day be revealed, and its wonder made clear.” (p. 11)

The Newborn: A Complete Book of Innate Nature and a Storehouse of Divine Knowledge
“Though a newborn is only a baby, in truth the child is a complete book—the book of innate nature, a storehouse of knowledge and insight… Perform the prayer beside your child’s right ear; the first sound to ring in the depths of the child’s soul should proclaim divine unity, prophethood and spiritual authority, so that the child’s very being is founded upon truth.” (p. 21)

The Newborn’s First Nourishment: Touching the Palate with Karbala Soil and Euphrates Water
“The soil of Karbala and the water of the Euphrates are the first wholesome nourishment with which a newborn’s palate is touched (taḥnīk). Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said: ‘Touch your children’s palates with the soil of Husayn (AS), for it brings protection and blessing.’ This is the child’s first bond with the wellspring of love, spiritual authority and divine unity.” (p. 26)

The ʿAqiqah: A Sacrifice for Life and a Safeguard for the Child’s Health and Well-Being
“The ʿaqiqah is a strongly recommended rite and a sacrifice for the child’s well-being; charity can never replace it. Do not leave your child in the balance, awaiting an ʿaqiqah. Slaughtering a sheep and offering its meat to the faithful and the midwife wards off afflictions from the child. Avoid smearing the newborn’s forehead with the ʿaqiqah’s blood—a pagan custom—and perform the rite with prayer and gratitude.” (p. 35)

Breast Milk: Heavenly Nourishment, a Complete Remedy, and the Painter of Body and Character
“A mother’s milk is not merely nourishment; it shapes and paints a child’s body and character. Milk can be light and radiance, or darkness and gloom. A mother’s milk is heavenly nourishment in her breast: a complete remedy and a compendium of love, affection and spiritual qualities, flowing into the newborn’s soul.” (p. 65)

The Golden Seven Years: Engraving Knowledge and Wisdom on the Stone of a Child’s Soul
“The first seven years are the golden years for raising a child. Begin before your child’s heart grows hard and foreign ideas capture it. Knowledge and ethics etched into a child’s soul in the early years endure like an inscription carved in stone. Good manners are the finest and most precious gift parents can give their child.” (p. 95)

The Miracle of Kissing Your Child: An Infusion of Love and a Vessel of Divine Mercy
“A kiss is an infusion of healing and love into a child’s soul. The Messenger of God (PBUH) said that every kiss given to a child brings a degree in Paradise. A kiss bestowed on one’s child is like a vessel from beyond this world: it fills the child’s heart with security and mercy and clears anger and resentment from the soul.” (p. 118)

Playing with Your Child and the Wisdom Behind an Infant’s Cry
“Become a child alongside your own child, so that others will not win them over. Being childlike with a child is the key to friendship and a heartfelt bond with them. Also know that an infant’s crying in the early months is a testimony to God’s oneness and a plea for forgiveness for the parents. Do your best to soothe your baby, but never grow distressed or angry at the sound of their crying.” (p. 125)