1. Importance Of Marriage And Prohibition Of Celibacy

According to a reliable tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), it is stated that being fond of women was the etiquette of prophets. He also emphasized that there can be no progress in the faith of any believer unless he loves women more. He also stated that those who love their women more have more faith.

A reliable tradition from Imam Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) states that there are three things, which are included in practice (Sunnat) of the prophets: (1) Smelling perfume (2) Cleaning excess hair of the body (3) Being closer to women and having relations with them.

Through many chains of narrators, it is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that I have preferred women and perfume from your world and prayer is most precious to me.

According to a reliable tradition, Sikkeen Nakhai ignored women, perfume and tasty food and engaged himself in prayers and had written a letter about this to the Imam. He answered that while questioning about women, he should have been aware of the number of wives of the Holy Prophet (S) had and about tasty food, he ought to know that the Holy Prophet (S) used to eat meat and honey.

The Holy Prophet (S) stated that a man who marries has protected half the faith and the other half will be protected if he practices piety.

He also said the worst among you are those who are single.

The Holy Prophet (S) further said that there was nothing to hinder a man from marriage for the man may be blessed with a son, who may brighten the earth with the word of “la ilaha illa Allah” (there is no divinity besides God) and emphasized that those who believe in his practice should perform marriage.

Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) said that it is not at all acceptable to me that I should get the whole world and whatever it contains in exchange of spending a single night without a wife.

He also said that two units of prayer performed by a married person is equal to all night prayers and all days’ fasts of a single man.

The Holy Prophet (S) has stated that a person who does not marry on account of his poor financial condition does not have faith and confidence in God. God says:

إِنْ يَكُونُوا فُقَرَاءَ يُغْنِهِمُ اللَّهُ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ

“If they are needy, Allah will make them free from want out of His grace.” (24:32)

It is mentioned in a tradition of Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the wife of Uthman Ibn Mazun came to the Messenger of Allah (S) and said: O Messenger of Allah (S), Uthman fasts during the days and prays all nights and he does not approach me at all. The Prophet became infuriated; he came to Uthman and said: O Uthman, God has not sent me with the message of monasticism; He sent me for a straight and easy religion.

I fast, pray and establish contacts with my wives as well. One, who wishes to follow my religion, should follow my practice; and marriage is one of my practices.

In another tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), it is stated that three women came to the Holy Prophet (S). One stated that her husband did not eat meat, the second said that her husband did not smell perfume and the third stated that her husband did not live with her.

The Holy Prophet (S) came out of his chamber in a fury apparent from the expression of his face and cloak dragged behind. In the same condition, he mounted the pulpit and after praising Almighty, asked why some people have stopped eating meat, smelling perfume and living together with women as all these were his practices. One, who was against his practice was excluded from his followers.

In another tradition, it is mentioned that a woman came to the Holy Prophet (S) and complained that her husband did not approach her. The Prophet asked her to apply perfume in order to attract him. She said: I have tried every perfume, but he has kept away from me. The Prophet said: If he knew the rewards of intimacy with you, he would never have remained away from you.

Then he said: If he takes interest in you the angels will surround him and he would earn so much divine reward as if he has fought Jihad in the path of God. And when he becomes intimate with you, his sins will fall off like leaves fall off during autumn. And when he takes the ritual bath, no sin will remain in his account.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) has slated that two units’ prayer of a married man is better than seventy units of a celibate.

2. Types Of Women - Good And Bad

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that woman is like a necklace, which you tie to your necks and it is necessary to know what type of necklace you prefer for yourself.

He said: The chaste and the unchaste woman cannot be same. The value of a chaste woman is much more than precious metals; on the contrary the precious metals are nothing in comparison to her and the unchaste woman is not equal to dust; on the contrary dust is better.

Also, my holy grandfather, the Messenger of Allah (S) said: Give your daughter in marriage to a family having same social status as yours and marry your sons also from families having same social status. You must seek a woman, who is suitable for your seed so that a righteous son is born.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one, who marries for wealth and beauty, would be deprived of both and one, who marries for piety and religiosity, the Almighty Allah would bestow him wealth as well as beauty.

The Messenger of Allah (S) said: Marry chaste women, so that many issues are produced; and don’t fall for beautiful women, who are infertile, because tomorrow on Judgment Day, I will boast over the nations of other prophets.

It is mentioned in another tradition that do you not know that those who die young, they pray for the forgiveness of their parents below the Divine Throne (Arsh) and Lady Sarah is rearing them on mountains of musk, ambergris and saffron and Prophet Ibrahim (‘a) is looking after them.

It is mentioned in another tradition that you must propose to women who have more fragrant mouths and who are more fertile, who are potentially more prolific producers of breast milk. Do you not know that tomorrow on Judgment Day, I will boast about your majority so much so that even that unborn foetus will be included, who was aborted.

On the contrary, such a child would stand at the gate of Paradise in anger and the Almighty Allah will order it to enter Paradise, it will say: I will not enter till my parents do. At that time an angel will be ordered to bring his parents and admit them in Paradise.

Then that child will be addressed: Our mercy is there for you in excess, due to which we admitted them also in Paradise.

It is narrated from Imam Ali (‘a) that the woman, whose hand one seeks in marriage, should possess the following qualities: (I) Wheat complexioned face (2) Broad forehead (3) Black eyes (4) Medium height (5) Heavy hips.

If someone is able to find such a woman and he proposes to her, but he is unable to pay the dower, he should take the dower amount from me.

It is mentioned in another tradition that when the Messenger of Allah (S) used to send a match-maker with a proposal to a lady, he used to say: Smell her neck, if it is fragrant; the calf should be fleshy.

It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that beautiful woman is a proof of the good fortune of man.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when a man is asking a woman’s hand in marriage, he should inquire about her hair; for in the beauty of the hair lies half of the charm.

The Holy Prophet (S) had stated that the best woman is one, who produces many children, is the well-wisher of her husband, is chaste and holds respects among her relatives and acquaintances, obeys her husband and adorns herself for him.

Who is modest with strangers, who guards her chastity; who is obedient to the husband, who does not refuse when the husband wants to became intimate with her. But she must not compel the husband for intercourse.

After that he said: The worst of your women is one, who is degraded among her people; who is dominant on her husband, who does not produce children, who bears malice, who has no qualms about promiscuity, who adorns herself for others when the husband is not present and when the husband arrives, she becomes secluded; she does not obey him; and when the husband tries wooing her, she prevents him like a nasty lioness; she never accepts his excuse and never forgives his shortcomings.

It is narrated that a person came to the Messenger of Allah (S) and said: My wife is such that when I enter the house, she welcomes me. When I leave the house, she sees me off.

When she finds me aggrieved, she asks for the reason and she says: If it is regarding sustenance, Allah is the guarantee of you and all the people and if it is regarding Judgment Day, may Allah increase this worry.

The Holy Prophet (S) said that there are divine agents in the world and such a woman is one of the divine agents and will get half the reward of martyr.

He said in another tradition that the best woman of my nation is one, who is most beautiful and who is having less dower.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that the highest merit of woman is that her dower should be less and she must not have trouble producing offspring and the worst quality is that her dower is more and she has trouble producing offspring.

The Messenger of Allah (S) said that the best of your women are Quraish women as they are more kind on their husbands than other women and most merciful to their children than other women; and they never refuse the advances of their husbands and they are chaste in connection with strangers. During that time the Quraish women imply the Sadaat1.

In another reliable tradition, it is stated that when God wants to bless a man with virtues of the world and that to come, He gives him a heart, which will be merciful to those facing difficulties, is fearful of the Almighty and gives him complete attention and He gives this man a tongue, which always speaks about Him and gives him a body, which can bear all hardships and a woman, who will be happy on seeing him and is chaste during his absence and does not waste his money.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) in a reliable tradition that there was a very wise and wealthy man in Bani Israel. He had a son from a chaste wife. This boy resembled his father closely. He had two other sons from another wife, who was not chaste. When he was on his death bed, he said: My property belongs to you alone. Now, all claimed the property.

At last, the case was presented before the judge. He told them: Go to the three brothers, who are famous for their intellect. So, they went to the first one; he was an old man. He said: Go to my brother, who is elder to me. So, they went there and found him middle aged. He said: Go to my elder brother.

They went and saw that he was a young man. Before posing their query, they asked him why his younger brother has become old and how you, who is the eldest, is most youthful? He replied: The wife of my younger brother is bad and he is patient on evil, lest he may get involved in a trouble on which he might not remain patient.

That is why he seems to be so aged. As for the second brother, she is such that sometimes she keeps him happy and sometimes aggrieved; that is why he is middle aged. And my wife always keeps me happy and never aggrieves; that’s why I am young. The brother heard them and then told him of their matter.

He said: First of all, dig up the bones of your father and bum them up and then I will decide your case. When they set out from there the youngest of them picked up a sword and the other two elder brothers took pickaxes. On reaching the grave of the father the elder brothers began to dig and the youngest pulled out his sword saying that he will not allow them to dig the grave of his father.

He said: I give up my claim; you may take all his property. Again, the matter reached the judge. He awarded all the property to the youngest brother and said to the elder brothers: If you had also been the issues of the deceased, like the youngest son, you would have also protested against the opening of his grave.

3. Etiquette Of Marriage

A good tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) states that when a person intends to request for marriage, he should offer two units of prayer, praise the Almighty and recite the following supplication:

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَتَزَوَّجَ فَقَدِّرْ لِي مِنْ النِّسَاءِ اعَفَّهم فَرَجًا وَاحْفَظْهُم لي فِي نَفْسِهَا وَمَالِ واوسعهنَّ رزقا واعظَمَهُمَّ بَرَكَةً وَقَدِّرْ لِي وَلَدًا طَيِّبًا تجعله خلفا صَالِحًا فِي حَيَاتِي وَبَعْدَ مَوْتِي

Translation: O Allah, I intend to perform my Nikah. Bless me with a woman out of all who is highly virtuous and who, for my sake will safeguard herself and my belongings and will be a source of increase in daily bread and also in luck. And then make her give birth to a son, who will be my virtuous remembrance in life and after death.

It is mentioned in a reliable tradition that it is recommended (Sunnat) to perform marriage ceremony at night.

It is mentioned in a trustworthy tradition that Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) came to know that a person had married during the day when the climate was hot. He said: I don’t expect love and affection to develop between them. After a short period, they got separated.

It is mentioned in other reliable tradition that it is good to marry during the month of Shawwal.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in a reliable tradition that one, who marries or consummates the marriage during ‘moon in Scorpio’ its result will not be good.

It is mentioned in another tradition that one, who marries or consummates the marriage during eclipse, he should remember that the seed established during that time will be aborted before it is complete.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that Friday is the day of engagement and marriage. We should know that inviting believers, giving them dinner and reciting the sermon before the Nikah ceremony is recommended (Sunnat).

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that giving dinner on the occasion of marriage is a practice of the prophets.

When the Messenger of Allah (S) married Maimoona, he served Khubais2 to people.

The Messenger of Allah (S) said that Walima is necessary on the first day, there is no problem on the second and on the third day it is extravagance.

It is narrated that when Imam Muhammad Taqi (‘a) married the daughter of Mamun, he recited the following sermon:

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ إِقْرَارًا بِنِعْمَتِهِ وَلَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ إِخْلَاصًا لِوَحْدَانِيَّتِهِ وَصَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَى سَيِّدِ بَرِيَّتِهِ وَالأَصْفِيَاءِ مِنْ عِتْرَتِهِ أَمَّا بَعْدُ فَقَدْ كَانَ مِنْ فَضْلِ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْأَنَامِ إن أَغْنَاهُمْ بِالْحَلاَلِ عَنِ الْحَرَامِ

Translation: Confession to the blessings of the Almighty Allah is through the world of ‘praise be to Allah’ and evidence of sincerity of monotheism is through the word of ‘there is no god, except Allah’. May Almighty Allah bless the chief of His creatures and who are chosen from his progeny. So to say: Among the favours of God is that He made them needless through lawful means, so that they do not stand in need of the unlawful.

فَقَالَ سُبْحَانَهُ:

Thus, that sacred being said:

وَأَنكِحُوا الْأَيَامَىٰ مِنكُمْ وَالصَّالِحِينَ مِنْ عِبَادِكُمْ وَإِمَائِكُمْ ۚ إِن يَكُونُوا فُقَرَاءَ يُغْنِهِمُ اللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ‎

“And marry those among you who are single and those who are fit among your male slaves and your female slaves; if they are needy, Allah will make them free from want out of His grace; and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing” (24:32)

Other longer sermons are mentioned in detailed books and there is no scope to bring them here. The humble author has compiled another book on Nikah sermons.

4. Consummation Of Marriage And Sexual Intercourse

Sexual intercourse is detestable during eclipse and coition during menstruation and post-natal discharge (Nifas) is unlawful. It is also detestable to touch any part of her body between the navel and the knees, during these periods. One should avoid intercourse before compulsory bath for physical purity and after the period is over; although if it is absolutely necessary there is no problem.

In that case the woman should be asked to wash her genitals and then one can have intercourse with her. If the woman having Istihaza bleeding has performed the bath or other rituals it is allowed to have intercourse with her.

There is difference of opinion regarding anal intercourse. Some regard it to be unlawful and some consider it is detestable to the extent of prohibition. In any case, prevention is necessary and when one has intercourse with a free woman. It is better that the semen should not fall outside (coitus interruptus). Some scholars regard coitus interruptus to be unlawful, but there is no problem if one is being intimate with slave girl.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that sexual intercourse is unadvisable on Tuesday night.

Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) said that one, who has intercourse with his wife during eclipses, he should know that miscarriage will occur before the creation is complete.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) advised against sexual intercourse in the beginning, middle and the last of the (lunar) month as it could end in miscarriage and even if a child is born, it would be afflicted with insanity or epilepsy. Do you not see that one, who is afflicted with epilepsy; he suffers the pain either in the beginning or middle or at the end of the month?

The Messenger of Allah (S) said that one, who has intercourse with his wife during her menses; if a child is born from that union, it would be afflicted with dandruff, leprosy or leukoderma.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that the enemy of us Ahl Al-Bayt (‘a), is either illegitimate born or his conception took place when the mother was in menses.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) in a number of reliable traditions that one, who has intercourse with his wife, he should not approach her like a cock. He should first initiate the act with touching and foreplay and then go on to perform the actual act.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that if one speaks during sexual intercourse, there is risk that the issue might be born dumb. And if during the act, man glances at the female genitals there is risk that the child might be born blind.

In another traditional report, it is narrated from the same Imam that there is no problem in glancing at the female genitals during sexual intercourse.

It is mentioned in many reliable traditions that intercourse is unadvisable when either partner has applied henna or dye.

When people asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) whether there was any problem if during the sexual act the face of the man or woman was uncovered. He said: There is no problem. Then they asked about kissing the wife during intercourse. He said: There is no problem.

People asked the same Imam whether a man can see is wife in nude. He replied: There is more pleasure in not seeing.

Then they asked: Is it allowed if a person uses his hand or finger to play with the genitals of his wife or slave girl? He replied: There is no problem. But other than any part of his body, he must not insert anything in her genitals.

People asked whether it was allowed to have sexual intercourse in water. He said: There is no problem in it.

It is mentioned in authentic tradition that people asked Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) about sexual intercourse in the bath. He said: There is no problem in it.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that man should not have intercourse in a room where a child is present; otherwise, that child will grow up to be a fornicator.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that he said: By the one in whose hands my life is; if a person has intercourse in a room, in which someone is awake and they are seen in that act or their breathing is heard, the issue of that union will not get salvation; it would be a fornicator.

When Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) intended having sexual intimacy, he used to send his servants away on some pretext, close the doors and draw the curtains.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that a person, who has intercourse with his slave girl and before having the ritual bath wants to have intercourse with another slave girl; it is necessary that he should first perform ablution.

It is mentioned in reliable tradition that there is no problem in having sexual intercourse with slave girl where the act can be seen or heard by someone.

It is well known among scholars that a man can sleep between two slave girls; but he cannot do so between two free women.

It is mentioned in a trustful tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that if a person sleeps between two free women or two slave girls, there is no problem in it. He also said that it is detestable to have sexual intercourse facing the prayer direction (Qibla).

When people asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) whether a man could unite with his wife making himself nude, he replied in the negative. No one should unite keeping face or back towards Kaaba or while sailing in a boat.

Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) said that he did not like sexual intercourse during journey when the water was not available for ritual bath (Ghusl), except when one felt the risk of health if the intense excitement was not gratified. Scholars have declared this intercourse as unlawful, except in unavoidable circumstances.

The Holy Prophet (S) stated that one should not cohabit with his wife before taking compulsory bath due to seminal emission during sleep. If anybody neglects this instruction and a child is born out of this intercourse and suffers from lunacy, then one should blame himself.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that it is detestable to unite at the time of sunrise before it gets bright or at sunset before the sun disappears completely.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that it is recommended to have sexual intercourse on the first night of the month of Ramadhan.

It is narrated from Abu Saeed Khudri that the Messenger of Allah (S) advised Imam Ali (‘a): O Ali, when the bride arrives, take off her shoes; then wash her feet and sprinkle the water from the door till the rear wall of the house as this would remove seventy thousand types of troubles, seventy thousand types of blessings would enter, seventy thousand types of blessings would descend on you and that bride.

Its blessing will reach every corner of the house and as long as the bride remains in that house, she would be secure from dandruff, leprosy and insanity. O Ali, do not allow that bride to consume milk, vinegar, coriander and sour apples for seven days.

Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) asked: O Messenger of Allah (S), what is the reason for that?

He replied: These things make the womb sterile and she remains barren. O Ali, a sack lying in some corner of the house is better than a woman, who cannot produce children.

Then he said: O Ali, do not become intimate with your wife during the beginning, middle and end of the month, as she and her issues would be prone to insanity, dandruff and leprosy. O Ali, do not have intercourse after the noon prayer, as the issue born of that union will remain in distress.

O Ali, do not speak during the act; if a child is born, it might have speaking disability. And one should not glance at the female genitals during intercourse; he should keep his eyes closed as it might cause the issue to be born with a visual handicap.

O Ali, don’t have intercourse with your wife when you are aroused by looking at some other woman, as the child born of that union will be eunuch or insane.

O Ali, if one sleeps in the bed of his wife in condition of sexual impurity, he should not recite the Holy Qur’an, as I dread that fire may descend from the heavens and bum down both of them.

O Ali, before intercourse, keep a napkin ready for yourself and a napkin for your wife. Both of you must not use the same napkin as it first of all, creates enmity between the partners finally leading to separation.

O Ali, do not have intercourse in the standing position, as it an act of donkeys; if a child is born, it would wet the bed like donkeys.

O Ali, do not have intercourse on the eve of Eid ul-Fitr; if a child is born of that union, many evils will be seen from him.

O Ali, do not have intercourse on the eve of Eid of sacrifice; if a child is born of that union, it will have six or four fingers in the hand.

O Ali, do not have intercourse under fruit bearing tree. If a child is born of that union, it would be either a killer or a leader of oppressors.

O Ali, do not have intercourse in front of the sun, without drawing a curtain; because child is born of that union would remain in poverty and distress as long as he lives.

O Ali, do not have intercourse between Adhan and Iqamah; if a child is born of that union, it would be inclined to bloodshed.

O Ali, do not have intercourse without ablution, when the wife is pregnant; otherwise, the child born will be hard hearted and miser.

O Ali, do not have intercourse on 15th of Shaban; if a child is born of that union, it would be niggardly and mark of blackness shall be present on its face.

O Ali, do not have intercourse at the end of the month of Shaban; if a child is born of that union, it would be a robber and killer and many would be killed at his hands.

O Ali, do not have intercourse on the terrace; if a child is born of that union, he would be a hypocrite, ostentatious person or heretic.

O Ali, do not have intercourse on the night preceding the morning when you set out for a journey; if a child is born of that union, he would become a squanderer and the squanderers are brothers of Satan. And if you are going on a journey of three days’ duration; if a child is born of that union, it will be an oppressor.3

O Ali, have intercourse on Monday eve; if a child is born of that union, it would be a memorizer (Hafiz) of Qur’an and will be thankful to divine blessings.

O Ali, if you have intercourse on Tuesday eve, the child born of that union would, in addition of getting the good fortune of Islam, will also get the status of martyrdom. His mouth will be fragrant, he would be merciful, generous and devoid of backbiting, rumour mongering and false allegation.

O Ali, if you have intercourse on Thursday eve, the child born of that union would either be a religious jurisprudent or a scholar. And if you have intercourse at midday on Thursday, the Satan will not have access to him till his last moments and the Almighty Allah will bestow him with the well-being of religion and the world.

O Ali, if you have intercourse on Friday eve, the child born of that union would be famous for his oratory and eloquence and no speaker will not be able to equal him.

O Ali, if you have intercourse on Friday afternoon (Asr), the child born of that union would be considered among the intellectuals of the time. If you have intercourse on Friday eve, after the Night Prayer (Isha), it is expected that the child born of that union will be included among the mystic pivots (Abdaal).

O Ali, do not have intercourse in the first part of night (early evening); because a child born of that union might become a sorcerer, and might prefer the world over the hereafter.

O Ali, learn these advices from me, like I learnt them from Jibra’il.

It is mentioned in reliable traditions that on the day of the marriage of Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra’ (‘a), the Almighty Allah had commanded the Farthest Lote Tree (Sidratul Muntaha) to gift away as offering for the sake of Lady Fatimah (‘a) whatever it had; so, it distributed offerings among the residents of Paradise whatever it possessed, whether pearls, corals and jewels.

The Paradise Houries took those offerings and felt proud of it and they shall continue to boast about it till Judgment Day and they exchange them as gifts among themselves saying: This is the offering of Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra’ (‘a).

On the eve of sending out the bride, the Holy Prophet (S) called for his mule called Ashab and put on its head, a sheet of multi-coloured cloth pieces. He ordered Salman Farsi to lead it holding its rein, asked Lady Fatimah (‘a) to mount it and followed in the rear. On the way, the Prophet heard the sound of angels.

He saw that Jibra’il and Mika’il had arrived with a thousand angels each and they said that the Almighty Allah has sent us to offer felicitations on the marriage of Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra’ (‘a). Since that time Jibra’il and Mika’il continue to repeat ‘God is the greatest’ along with their companion angels. That is why, it became a recommended act to recite ‘God is the greatest’ at the time bidding farewell to the bride.

It is mentioned in another traditional report that a person said to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that we prepare very hygienic food and mix fragrances in it, even then it does not have those qualities, which the food of a marriage function has. He said: It is so, because food of a marriage function is prepared for a lawful matter; that is why it is touched by the breeze of Paradise.

It is mentioned in traditions that it is recommended (Sunnat) to have the marriage function in the evening and it is recommended (Sunnat) to have the Walima dinner during daytime.

It is mentioned in some reports that it is allowed to take the offerings made for the bride and the bridegroom; but when there is pillage and snatching, it is detestable.

According to scholars, taking from the offering is only allowed when it is known that the owners approve it.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that when you are invited to a marriage function, you must delay it; as it would remind you of the world.

It is mentioned in another tradition that when you are called to attend a funeral, you must make haste, as it would remind you of the hereafter.

It is mentioned in another tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) disapproved sexual intercourse under the open sky and in public places; and he said that God, angels and people curse one, who indulges in sexual act in public places.

The Messenger of Allah (S) said that you must learn three habits from the crow. Having sexual intercourse in privacy, going out to earn livelihood early in the morning and being absolutely alert of the enemies.

Imam Ali (‘a) has said that a man should not make haste when he feels an urge for sexual intercourse with the wife as she has to perform other household duties. If anybody looks at any woman and feels inclined towards her, he should immediately unite with his wife as she possesses the same thing, which the other has.

Anyhow, the Satan should not dominate him. If there is no wife for gratification of passion, he should perform a two-unit prayer. He should recite other supplications and invoke blessings on the Holy Prophet (S) and his Ahl Al-Bayt (‘a) that he should be blessed by God’s grace and saved from committing unlawful act. His prayers for getting married will be accepted and God will protect him from committing unlawful for gratifying sexual desire.

It is mentioned in a tradition from the Holy Prophet (S) that the partners should not become nude during sexual intercourse as the angels would go away from them in that condition.

In another reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that it is not allowed to have intercourse with a girl, who has not yet completed nine years. If a person does it and some harm comes to that female, the man would be responsible.

In another tradition, it is mentioned that one should avoid sexual intercourse in the following hours: (1) At sunrise - it means before the appearance of sun. (2) At the beginning of sunset - till the appearance of complete dusk (Maghrib). (3) In the day, when there is solar eclipse and night of lunar eclipse. (4) At night or day when windstorm is blowing or there is earthquake.

Imam Ali (‘a) said that no sign of happiness will be seen in the person born of the union mentioned above, because his father had belittled the signs of God.

It is mentioned in the Book of Fiqhat Ar-Ridha’ that one, who wants to have sexual intercourse after giving ritual bath to a corpse, but before performing the ritual bath; he should perform the ablution (Wudhu).

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that when a person is afflicted with some malady or fever, he should have sexual intercourse with his wife; he would get relief.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that if a person has intercourse with the wife while he has applied hair dye, the child born of that union would be a eunuch.

Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) has prohibited sexual intercourse with a free woman (wife) in the presence of another; but there is no problem if one has intercourse with a slave girl in the presence of another.

It is narrated from Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that when Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) wished to have one intercourse after another before performing the ritual bath, he used to perform ablution.

It is mentioned in another tradition that one should not have sexual intercourse before taking out the ring engraved with holy names or sacred engraving.

5. Prayers And Supplications For The Night Of Consummation

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that when one conducts his bride to his house, he should direct her to perform ablution, recite two units of prayer and do the same himself. Then invoke blessings on the Holy Prophet (S) and his Ahl Al-Bayt (‘a) and all ladies who have accompanied the bride to groom’s house should say Amen. Then he should recite the following supplication:

اَللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنِي أُلْفَهَا وَوُدَّهَا وَرِضَاهَا وَأَرْضِنِي بِهَا وَاجْمَعْ بَيْنَنَا بِأَحْسَنِ اجْتِمَاعٍ وَانس ائْتِلَافٍ فَإِنَّكَ تُحِبُّ الْحَلاَلَ وَتَكْرَهُ الْحَرَامَ

Translation: O Allah, bless me with the love, freedom and happiness of this woman. Let me be happy with her and keep Thou, forever, love and kindness between us as Thou like what is right and dislike what is not permissible.

Afterwards, Imam said, “Love is a gift from God and hatred is a gift of Satan. Shaitan wants that people should refrain from performing the lawful.”

In a good tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when you approach the bride for the first time; hold her forelocks, make her face the prayer direction (Qibla) and recite the following supplication:

اَللَّهُمَّ بامانتك اخذتُها وبكلماتك استحللتها فإن قضيتَ لي منها ولدا فاجعله مباركا تقيا من شيعة آل محمد ولا تجعل للشيطان فيه شَرَكا ولا نصيبا.

Translation: O Allah, I have taken her as Your trust and made her lawful for myself through Your words. Now, if You have intended some issue from her for me, then make it blessed and pure and among the Shi’a of the progeny of Muhammad and that the Satan should not have any share in him.

In another reliable tradition, it is narrated from the same Imam that you should recite the following supplication, placing the right hand on her forehead:

اَللَّهُمَّ على كتابك تزوَّجتها وفي امانتك اخذتها وبكلماتك استحللتُ فرجها فإن قضيتَ لي في رحَمِها شيئا فاجعله سَوّيا ولا تجعله شرَكَ شيطان

Translation: O Allah, I married her according to Your Book and took her in Your security and through Your sacred words made her private parts lawful for myself. Thus, if You intend something for me from her womb, make it healthy and complete and the Satan should not have any share in it.

The narrator asked how a child can become a share of Satan? He replied: If the name of God is mentioned at time of intercourse, the Satan will be dispelled and if it is not mentioned, he (Satan) will make his penis penetrate along with that of the man.

The narrator then asked how it was possible to know whether Satan is a partner in some person or not? He replied: Satan has not become a partner in one, who is devoted to us and he has definitely become a partner in our enemies.

Many traditions of this topic are recorded in both the sects in various ways.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that when the bride is brought to the husband’s place, the following supplication must be recited:

اَللَّهُمَّ بكلماتك اسحللتها وبامانتك اخذتها اَللَّهُمَّ اجعلها وَلودا وَدُودا لا تَفْرَكْ تأكل مما راح ولا تسأل عما سَرَحَ.

Translation: O Allah, I made her lawful for myself through Your sacred discourse and took her under my protection. O Allah, may she produce many children; I should continue to remain fond of her and never should I become inimical. She must eat and wear what we manage to get.

In another reliable tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that we should recite the following supplication:

بكلمات اللهِ استحللتُ فَرْجَها وفي امانة اللهِ اخذتها اَللَّهُمَّ إن قضيتَ لي في رَحِمَها شيئا فاجعله بارا تقيا واجعله مسلما سويا ولا تجعل فيه شَرَكا للشيطان

Translation: O Allah, I made her private parts lawful for myself through the sacred words and took her in the trust of Allah. O Allah, if You intend something for me from her womb make it pure, healthy and complete, in which the Satan should not have any share in it.

In another tradition, it is narrated from the same Imam that people listen and narrate about the Satan sharing the seed of man with great amazement. The narrator asked: How it is possible to prevent this? He replied: When you want to have sex, you should recite:

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الذي لا إله إلا هو بديع السماوات والأرض اَللَّهُمَّ ان قضيتَ منّي في هذه الليلة خليفة فلا تجعل للشيطان فيه شركا ولا حظًا واجعله مؤمنا مخلصا مصفى من الشيطان ورِجزِه جل ثناؤُكَ.

Translation: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. There is no deity other than Him. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth. O Allah, if on this night You intend to create my heir from my seed, may the Satan not have any share in it. On the contrary, make him a pure believer, who is pure of the Satan and his impurity; Your praise is beyond our capacity.

In another tradition, Ali (‘a) has stated that if one wants to keep himself away from the influence of Satan at the time of coition, one should recite Bismil-Lah and ‘A’udhu bi’l-Lah (I seek the refuge of Allah).

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that the following supplication must be recited at the time of intercourse:

بسم اللهِ وباللهِ اَللَّهُمَّ جنبني الشيطان وجنِّب الشيطان ما رزقتني

Translation: In the name of Allah, and by Allah. O Allah, save from Satan also save from Satan the child, which You give.

If now a child is born, the Satan will never cause any harm to him.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that when you intend to have sexual intercourse, you should recite the following supplication:

اَللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنِي وَلَدًا وَاجْعَلْهُ تقِيًّا زَكِيًّا ليس فِي خَلْقِهِ زِيَادَة وَلَا نُقْصَان وَاجْعَلْ عَاقِبَتَهُ إِلَى خَيْرٍ

Translation: O Allah, bestow me with a son, who is pure, clean and free of defect and whose end is good.

6. Mutual Rights And Duties Of The Spouses

According to Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) and Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), the Almighty Allah has not permitted for a woman not more than one man as is given to males: because one man can have four permanent wives at the same time; secondly, fixed time marriage; thirdly as many slave girls as he wants; the Almighty Allah has made all of them lawful.

For the woman, He has not allowed her more than one husband at a time. If she desires or intends another man, she is regarded as fornicator before Allah. Now, the unchaste women are jealous of the God-given rights of man and those who are faithful, they do not regret this.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), women are only jealous of each other, because they are very fond of the husband.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that the statement of ‘I love you’ from the husband to his wife is never forgotten.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) in an authentic tradition that a woman asked the Holy Prophet (S): O Messenger of Allah (S), what is the right of the husband on the wife?

He replied: It is obligatory for her to obey him and not to disobey in any instance. She must not even pay alms (Sadaqah) from his funds; she must not observe recommended fast without his approval; when he wants intimacy she must not refuse, even though she might be on the back of the camel.

She must not leave the husband’s house without his permission. If she does so, till she does not return, all the angels of the heavens and the earth and the angels of fury and mercy will continue to invoke curse upon her. Then she asked: Who has the greatest right on man? He replied: The father. She asked: Who has the greatest right on a woman? He replied: The husband.

She asked: Do I have not as much right on him as he has on me? He replied: No, it is not even in a ratio of one is to hundred. She asked: O Messenger of Allah (S), by that same God, who sent you for propagating the truth, I will not get married at any cost!

It is mentioned in another tradition that a woman came to the Messenger of Allah (S) and asked about the right of husband on the wife. His Eminence said: They are so many as cannot be mentioned. Among them being that the wife should not observe recommended fasts without his permission, should not leave the house without his permission, should use perfume, should dress in the best clothes and as far as possible, must embellish herself for him and she must not refuse his advances.

In another tradition, he said: She must not give away anything without the permission of the husband; if she does so, the reward would be recorded in the scroll of deeds of the man and the sin will be included in the account of woman. She must not sleep on any night while her husband is displeased with her. That woman asked: Though he might have oppressed her to any extent? He replied: Yes. Though he might have oppressed her to any extent.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), a woman who displeases her husband and spends a night in the same condition, will not have her prayers heard until she is on good terms with her husband. And a woman who uses perfume for men other than her husband will not have her prayers accepted.

The Imam has stated that the deeds of three people does not reach heavens: (1) A slave, who has run away from his master (2) A woman, whose husband is displeased with her (3) One, who has worn an ostentatious dress.

It is mentioned in reliable traditions that the holy war (Jihad) of men is that they spend their wealth and life in the path of God; and the holy war (Jihad) of women is that they observe patience on the harassment and polygamy of their husbands.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that if I were able to order that a person can prostrate to someone other than God, I would have ordered the wives to prostrate before their husbands.

He said: A woman should not prolong her prayer in order to prevent her husband from satisfying his sexual desire. When the husband calls his wife for sexual satisfaction, but she delays and the husband goes to sleep, angels will curse her till the husband wakes up.

A reliable tradition states that except in certain circumstances, a woman cannot spend her wealth in any manner, without having permission of her husband. Those exceptional circumstances are: Hajj, Zakat and helping parents and poor relatives.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), if a woman says to her husband that she has seen no kind act on his part, then all the rewards of her good deeds disappear.

It is mentioned in many reliable traditions that the husband is bound to provide sufficient food and clothes to his wife and forgive her occasional mistake.

In another tradition, it is stated that the husband should not be harsh to his wife, but should supply her every day with sufficient quantity of oil. She should be provided with meat once in three days. Henna and Vasma etc, whatever she is used to, be provided to her once in every six months.

He must also provide her with at least four complete sets of clothing, two for winter and two for summer. One should keep her hair oil, vinegar and olive oil in the house. She must be given a kilo of food every day and the seasonal fruits must be given to her. On Eid days and festivals, she must get food better than the regular fare.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that you must have mercy on two persons: the orphans and the women.

The Holy Prophet (S) has stated that the best among men is he, who treats his wife the best. His wife and children are his prisoners and God is happy with those, who treat their prisoners well.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that if a man is having a wife in a city, it is detestable for him to sleep in the house of someone else, it would cause the death of the owner of the house.

Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) advised Imam Al-Hasan (‘a): Never take the counsel of women, as their opinion is weak and their intention is slow; and always keep them veiled, and do not send them out and as far as possible, make such arrangements that they do not become familiar with anyone other than you.

Do not make them work other than their household work as it would be best if they are not assigned any extra duty and it is favourable for their beauty and attraction, because the woman is a flower; she is not a servant. Keep her like a flower, but do not accept what she says about others and do not surrender yourself to her in excess.

It is mentioned in a reliable tradition from the Messenger of Allah (S) that women should not be allowed to sit in the windows and upper storey; and do not teach them writing; do not teach them reading of Surah Yusuf; teach them spinning and Surah Nur.

The Messenger of Allah (S) has prohibited women from horse riding and also said that you must not obey the women even in good deeds; lest their greed increases and then they make you inclined to evil. Seek refuge from those, who are evil among them and also seek refuge from those, who are good.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that he said: Do not share your secrets with them; do not pay any heed to what they say regarding your relatives.

Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) said that cursed is the man, whose administrator is a woman.

When the Messenger of Allah (S) planned expeditions, he initially sought counsel of his women and then acted exactly against their advice.

The Messenger of Allah (S) said that a husband who obeys his wife will be thrown headlong into Hell. People asked: O Messenger of Allah (S), what obedience is implied here? He replied: That a woman should seek his permission for going to the baths, weddings, recreation or battlefields and he accords the permission to her; or she asks him to buy her fine clothes for wearing them outdoors and he get them for her.

In another tradition, he said: The simile of women is like a rib; if you leave it as it is, you will gain and if you try to straighten it, you might break it.

The conclusion is that you must observe patience at the ordinary displeasures of women.

In connection with wife’s rights over husband, one should know that it is obligatory that a couple should have intercourse, at least once in four months, if the husband is at home and has no legitimate reason to abstain from it.

One should live together with wife at night, making equal arrangements of living together with other wives when he has more than one. Some scholars believe that each night should be reserved for each wife, when there is more than one wife. Sleeping with the wife does not necessarily mean coition.

These rules do not apply to slave girls and women, with whom one has contracted Mutah marriage; on the contrary the best option with regard to the slave girl is that either he should remove her lust himself or marry her to someone. It is mentioned in some traditions that if he does not take this step and she indulges in fornication, the sin of it will be recorded in the scroll of deeds of the owner.

It is well known among scholars that when a man having a wife, marries another virgin, then he should reserve seven successive nights for her, and if she is not a virgin, then three successive nights.

7. Prayers For Conception And Its Excellence

It is narrated from the Holy Prophet (S) that a woman is a flower of Heaven; pious children are the sign of man’s good fortune. He also stated that one should produce more children so that he may feel proud of them on Judgment Day.

Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) said: The malady a child has, is an expiation of the sins of the mother.

It is mentioned in an authentic tradition that one day Jibra’il (‘a) came down to find the Holy Prophet (S) and Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) weeping. Jibra’il (‘a) asked the reason of their lamentation and they explained that both their children were unwell and they were distressed because of their weeping.

Jibra’il (‘a) said: O Messenger of Allah (S), the Almighty Allah will create some believers for these children: such that when their children weep, for seven years their weeping would be regarded as intonation of “There is no god, except Allah” and after seven years their weeping would be regarded as expiation for the parents; and when they come of age, all their righteous acts would be regarded as having the share of parents; but not in sinful deeds.

A tradition from the Holy Prophet (S) states that a woman from the time of pregnancy to delivery, and delivery to weaning gets the reward of a man stationed at borders to repel the attacks of infidels and if a woman dies during that period, she will get the reward of a martyr.

A tradition from the Holy Prophet (S) states that the Prophet Isa (‘a) crossed a grave and found its inmate in a state of punishment; when he crossed the grave again the next year, that man was not under divine punishment. Prophet Isa (‘a) inquired of God about it and God revealed unto him that a child of his, who was pious had now attained adulthood. He had repaired a road and made a shelter of an orphan.

On account of these deeds of his son, God pardoned that man. The Holy Prophet (S) stated that the heritage a man leaves is his son, who will remain engrossed in His worship.

It is mentioned in another tradition that one, who dies childless is like one, who was not born in this world at all and one, who dies leaving many children is as though he is not dead.

According to the Holy Prophet (S), the Almighty God is more generous towards daughters than sons. A man, who will help a lady, who is his relative and Mahram (in prohibited degree) in a permissible manner will be rewarded likewise on Judgment Day.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) has stated that daughters are virtues and sons are blessings. God will reward the virtues and inquire about blessings.

It is narrated that the same Imam told one of his companions: I heard that a girl was born to your wife and you are unhappy with it? Does she cause any harm to you; she is a flower, which is given to you for fragrance. Then her sustenance is upon God. (Are you not pleased that) the Messenger of Allah (S) also had daughters [implying that he was only survived by a daughter and his generations continue only through the daughter].

In another tradition, Imam (‘a) stated that Prophet Ibrahim (‘a) asked God for a daughter, who will lament his death. He also stated that if a person prays to God for the death of his daughter and she dies, he will not earn any divine reward for it; on the contrary, he will be considered a sinner on Judgment Day.

It is stated that once a man was in the company of the Holy Prophet (S) and when the news of his wife giving birth to a daughter arrived, he turned pale. The Holy Prophet (S) said to the man that the earth was ready to bear its burden and the sky to shelter and the Almighty God to provide it with sustenance and in spite of everything, the child was a flower to please him.

Then addressing his companions, the Prophet (S) said that a person, who has one daughter carries a heavy burden, a person who has two should be helped when in need, a person who had three should be excused from Jihad and such other religious sanctions, and the person having four daughters should be given loans and dealt with mercifully.

In another authentic tradition, it is narrated from the Prophet that one, who has three daughters or three sisters and takes upon himself the responsibility and trouble of their upbringing, Allah, through His grace and mercy, shall make him enter Paradise.

Then the man asked “O Prophet of Allah, if he has two daughters or sister?” The Prophet replied, “Even then he shall enter Paradise.” Another man asked, “O Prophet of Allah, if he has one?” The Prophet replied, “Even then he shall enter Paradise.”

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the following supplication should be recited if one is childless:

اَللَّهُمَّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ وحيدا وحْشا فيقصر شكري عن تفكري بل هَب لي عاقبة صدق ذكورا واناثا آنس بهم من الوحدة واسكن إليهم من الوحدة واشكرك عند تمام النعمة يا وهاب يا عظيم يا معظم ثم أعطني في كل عافية شكرا تُبْلِغُني منها رضوانك في صدق الحديث وأداء الأمانة ووفاء بالعهد. ِ

Translation: O Allah, keep me not alone though You are the best of Guardians. I am lonely and I am scared of my loneliness. This worry has made me forget thanks due to You. Bless me with true comfort, that is, give a male or female child, whose love will alleviate my depression and loneliness and let me thank Thee on fulfilling my request.

O the One, Who gives the most! O One, Who is the best revered and one, Who showers reverence on others! After this, bless me with piety enough to thank Thee for Thy blessings that in thanking Thee, I may come nearer to You, and let me be able to fulfil my promises and return the property of others placed under my care. It is mentioned in a good tradition that the following supplication is to be recited in prostration for getting a child:

Translation:

رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ

My Lord! grant me from Thee good offspring; surely Thou art the Hearer of prayer (3:38).

رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ

O my Lord leave me not alone; and Thou art the best of inheritors (21:89).

He said in another traditional report that one, who wants his wife to get pregnant, he should pray two units of prayer after the Friday Prayer and prolong the genuflections and prostrations and then recite as follows:

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ بما سألك بِهِ زَكَرِيَّا رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ اَللَّهُمَّ هَب لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ اَللَّهُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ اسْتَحْلَلْتُهَا وفي امانتك اخَذْتُهَا فَإِنْ قَضَيْتَ في رَحِمَها وَلَدًا فَاجْعَلْهُ غُلَامًا مُبَارَكًا زَكِيًّا وَلَا تَجْعَلْ لِلشَّيْطَانِ فِيهِ شِرْكًا وَلَا نَصِيبًا.

Translation: O Allah, I beg only through the medium of one, through whom Zakariya asked: that is, he said: O my Lord, do not leave me alone and no one is better heir than You. O Allah, please bestow a pure child from Your side; indeed, You hear the supplication.

O Allah, I have made woman lawful for myself through Your pure name and taken her in Your protection. If You have intended a child from her womb for me; make it a fortunate and pure male child, in which there is no share of the Satan.

According to a tradition, Abresh Kalabi approached Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) and complained of having no children. The Imam advised him to seek divine forgiveness (Istighfar) a hundred times; and the best form of Istighfar is the following:

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

Translation: I seek forgiveness of Allah and to Him do I turn in repentance.

In another tradition, it is narrated from the same Imam that he should recite

Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) seventy times every morning and evening. After that:

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

Translation: I seek forgiveness of Allah and to Him do I turn in repentance.

...ten times. Then say Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) nine times and then:

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

Translation: I seek forgiveness of Allah and to Him do I turn in repentance.

...once.

The reporter of the tradition says that many people followed this advice and numerous children were born and in all these acts, instead of Astaghfir Ullah rabbi wa Atoobo ilaih, you can just say: Astaghfir Ullah.

In another traditional report, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that recite Istighfar a hundred times every morning for a child; and if you forget it someday, you must repeat the missed part.

In another report, a person complained to the same Imam that he was childless. The Imam said: When you become intimate with your wife, you should recite:

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنْ رَزَقْتَنِي ذُكْرًا سَمَّيْتُهُ مُحَمَّدًا

Translation: O Allah, if you bestow a child to me, I would name him as Muhammad.

In another tradition, a person complained to Imam Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) that he was always ill and no child was born to him. The Imam advised him to recite Adhan in his house loudly. He did accordingly and he regained health and also had a child.

In another tradition, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that someone complained to him about childlessness. Imam (‘a) said: You should recite the following three verses; if Allah wills, you will get a child:

وَذَا النُّونِ إِذْ ذَهَبَ مُغَاضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَنْ لَنْ نَقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَىٰ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

“And Yunus, when he went away in wrath, so he thought that We would not straiten him, so he called out among afflictions: There is no god but Thou, glory be to Thee; surely, I am of those who make themselves to suffer loss.” (21:87)

فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْغَمِّ ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُنْجِي الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“So, We responded to him and delivered him from the grief and thus do We deliver the believers”. (21:88)

وَزَكَرِيَّا إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ

And Zakariya, when he cried to his Lord: O my Lord leave me not alone; and Thou art the best of inheritors.” (21:89)

In another tradition, the Imam has stated that a person who decides to name the male child Ali or Husayn will be blessed with a male child.

It is narrated from Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) that one, who recites the following supplication, Allah will bestow him the good things of the world and the hereafter:

رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ وَاجْعَلْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ وَلِيًّا يَرِثُنِي فِي حَيَاتِي وَيَسْتَغْفِرُ لِي بَعْدَ موتي واجعله خَلْقا سويا وَلَا تَجْعَلْ لِلشَّيْطَانِ فِيهِ نَصِيبًا اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأُتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

Translation: O Lord, do not leave me alone, although You are the best of the heirs and grant an heir to me so that he may inherit my property in my life and after my passing away, seek forgiveness for me. O Allah, let his creation be complete and the Satan should not have any share in him. O Allah, I seek forgiveness from You and I refer to You. Indeed, You are very forgiving and very merciful.

The above supplication is to be recited seventy times for getting a child.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that when the woman is four months pregnant make her face the Qibla and recite the Throne Verse (Ayat ul-Kursi); then tapping her side, recite as follows:

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي قَدْ سَمَّيْتُهُ مُحَمَّدًا

Translation: O Allah, I have named this unborn one as Muhammad.

Through the blessing of that name, the Almighty Allah will make that child male.

If after birth, he is named as Muhammad, he would be blessed. If he is not named as such the Almighty Allah has the choice whether to take the child back or to forgive.

It is mentioned in several reliable traditions that a woman, who decides to give the name of Muhammad or Ali to her male child will be blessed by one.

It is mentioned in another tradition that if you name the child as Ali, he will have a long life.

It is mentioned in Tibb Al-A’imma that a person complained to Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) of scarcity of children, the Imam asked him to recite for three days: Subhan Allah and Astaghfir Ullah 70 times each after morning and Isha prayers and recite the following verse after it:

فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا

“Ask forgiveness of your Lord, surely He is the most Forgiving.” (71:10)

يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاءَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِدْرَارًا

“He will send down upon you the cloud, pouring down abundance of rain.” (71:11)

وَيُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ أَنْهَارًا

And help you with wealth and sons, and make for you gardens, and make for you rivers.” (71:12)

And have intercourse on the third night. God will bestow a flawless son to you.

It is mentioned in the book of Nawadirul Hikmat that a person came to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) and said: O son of Allah’s Messenger, I have eight daughters and there is no hope of getting a son.

The Imam said: When you are about to begin the sexual act, keep your right hand on the right side of her navel and recite Surah al-Qadr seven times. After that have intercourse with her. And when signs of pregnancy are seen, place the index finger to the right of her navel and recite Surah al-Qadr seven times. That person reports that I did exactly as advised, and the Almighty Allah gave seven male children one after another.

It is narrated from Imam Al-Hasan (‘a) that one, who is desirous of many issues, he should recite Istighfar in excess.

8. Period Of Pregnancy, Delivery And Naming Of Children

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), a pregnant woman should take Quince (Behi) so that the child’s complexion may be fair and it may smell good.

According to the Holy Prophet (S), a woman should take fresh dates after child bearing, as the Almighty God ordered Lady Maryam (‘a) to take fresh dates at the time of Isa’s birth. People inquired what should they do if fresh dates were not available.

The Prophet (S) replied that one should give nine dried Madani dates and in case of non-availability, any kind of dates to a woman, who has given birth to a child, for the Almighty God promised on His Honour that He would bless the child with modesty and sobriety.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) in a reliable tradition that ladies should be fed with bami dates after the delivery, so that the issues may turn out to be intelligent and modest.

Another tradition from the Holy Prophet (S) states that one should provide his pregnant wife with kundar (a kind of gum) for eating. A child who will get this food in his mother’s womb will have a courageous heart and an intelligent mind. If a child is male, he will be brave and if it is female, the lower part of the body will be heavy on account of which she will be dear to her husband.

It is mentioned in a reliable tradition that when it was the time of the delivery of a woman, Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin (‘a) used order all ladies to leave the house, so that the glance of none should fall on the child.

It is narrated that when the Imam was given the good news of the birth of a child, he did not inquire of the child’s sex; he inquired whether was born without congenital defects. If he was told that it was flawless, he used to remark:

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي لَمْ يَخْلُقْ مِنْي شَيْئًا مشوها

Translation: All praise is for Allah, Who did not create any defective thing from my seed.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), before cutting the umbilical cord of the child, two drops of mixture of Jaosheer4 in water should be poured in the right and left nostrils and Adhan in the right ear and Iqamah in the left ear be recited. After this, the child will neither be afraid nor will be affected by rickets.

In another tradition, the Imam said: Tell the wet nurse or someone else to recite the Iqamah in the right ear; so that it will not be afflicted with insanity.

According to Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a), the palate of the child should be raised with Euphrates water and Iqamah should be recited in its ear.

It is mentioned in another traditional report that its palate should be lifted with Euphrates water and dust of the grave of Imam Husayn (‘a) and if Euphrates water is not available, you may use rain water.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that raise the uvula of your children with dates, because the Messenger of Allah (S) raised the palate of Hasan and Husayn (‘a) in this way only.

The Messenger of Allah (S) said that the children in whose right ear Adhan is recited and Iqamah is recited in the left ear; they would remain safe from the mischief of Satan.

It is clear from the traditional report of the birth of Imam Husayn (‘a) that as soon as the child is born, it is detestable to wrap him up in a yellow cloth and it is recommended to wrap him up in a white cloth.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that you must raise the uvula of the child with dust from the grave of Imam Husayn (‘a) as it would keep him secure from many ills.

It is narrated that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) congratulated in the following words a person, whom the Almighty Allah had bestowed a male child:

رَزَقَكَ اللَّهُ شُكْرَ الْوَاهِبِ وَبَارَكَ لَكَ فِي الْمَوْهُوبِ وَبَلَّغَ به أَشُدَّهُ وَرَزَقَكَ بِرَّهُ

Translation: May Allah grant you the good sense of thanking the giver of the bounty and may He give increase in whatever is bestowed to you and that He may convey him to the full strength and that you may have the fortune to see his goodness.

Many other traditions are narrated from Imam Al-Hasan (‘a) of the same connotation.

Ibn Idris (r.a.) has narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) in the book of Sirr ul-Abrar that when a woman faces some problem in the delivery; write the following verses on deer hide, wrap it up and tie it to her right thigh and untie it immediately after the delivery:

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

كَأَنَّهُمْ يَوْمَ يَرَوْنَ مَا يُوعَدُونَ لَمْ يَلْبَثُوا إِلَّا سَاعَةً مِّن نَّهَارٍ

On the day that they shall see what they are promised they shall be as if they had not tarried save an hour of the day. (46:35)

كَأَنَّهُمْ يَوْمَ يَرَوْنَهَا لَمْ يَلْبَثُوا إِلَّا عَشِيَّةً أَوْ ضُحَاهَا

On the day that they see it, it will be as though they had not tarried but the latter part of a day or the early part of it. (79:46)

إِذْ قَالَتِ امْرَأَتُ عِمْرَانَ رَبِّ إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لَكَ مَا فِي بَطْنِي مُحَرَّرًا

When a woman of Imran said: My Lord! Surely! I vow to Thee what is in my womb. (3:35)

The author of Tibb Al-A’imma has narrated that a person came to Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) and said that his wife was on the verge of death due to her labour pains. The Imam said: Recite the following supplication on her:

فَأَجَاءَهَا الْمَخَاضُ إِلَىٰ جِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ قَالَتْ يَا لَيْتَنِي مِتُّ قَبْلَ هَٰذَا وَكُنتُ نَسْيًا مَّنسِيًّا

And the throes (of childbirth) compelled her to betake herself to the trunk of a palm tree. She said: Oh, would that I had died before this, and had been a thing quite forgotten! (19:23)

فَنَادَاهَا مِن تَحْتِهَا أَلَّا تَحْزَنِي قَدْ جَعَلَ رَبُّكِ تَحْتَكِ سَرِيًّا ‎

Then (the child) called out to her from beneath her: Grieve not, surely your Lord has made a stream to flow beneath you;(19:24)

وَهُزِّي إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ تُسَاقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًا جَنِيًّا

And shake towards you the trunk of the palm tree, it will drop on you fresh ripe dates. (19:25)

And recite in a loud voice:

وَاللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّن بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْئًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ السَّمْعَ وَالْأَبْصَارَ وَالْأَفْئِدَةَ ۙ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

And Allah has brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers - you did not know anything - and He gave you hearing and sight and hearts that you may give thanks. (16:78)

When you recite this, if Allah wills, she will get relief immediately.

Through another chain of narrators, it is narrated from the same Imam that if the delivery becomes difficult the following verses should be written with musk and saffron on a pure vessel, washed in well water and administered to that lady and sprinkle some water on her belly. It is as follows:

كَأَنَّهُمْ يَوْمَ يَرَوْنَ مَا يُوعَدُونَ لَمْ يَلْبَثُوا إِلَّا سَاعَةً مِّن نَّهَارٍ بَلَاغٌ ۚ فَهَلْ يُهْلَكُ إِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

On the day that they shall see what they are promised they shall be as if they had not tarried save an hour of the day. A sufficient exposition! Shall then any be destroyed save the transgressing people? (46:35)

كَأَنَّهُمْ يَوْمَ يَرَوْنَهَا لَمْ يَلْبَثُوا إِلَّا عَشِيَّةً أَوْ ضُحَاهَا

On the day that they see it, it will be as though they had not tarried but the latter part of a day or the early part of it. (79:46)

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the following verses should be written for the pregnant woman on a paper in the beginning of delivery and wrap it with something without tying a knot and tie it on the thigh of the woman; she will definitely not experience labour pains. But it should be untied soon after the delivery without the least delay. The verses are as follows:

أَوَلَمْ يَرَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا أَنَّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ كَانَتَا رَتْقًا فَفَتَقْنَاهُمَا ۖ وَجَعَلْنَا مِنَ الْمَاءِ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ حَيٍّ ۖ أَفَلَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

Do not those, who disbelieve see that the heavens and the earth were closed up, but We have opened them; and We have made of water everything living, will they not then believe? (21:30)

وَآيَةٌ لَّهُمُ اللَّيْلُ نَسْلَخُ مِنْهُ النَّهَارَ فَإِذَا هُم مُّظْلِمُونَ

And a sign to them is the night: We draw forth from it the day, then lo! they are in the dark; (36:37)

وَالشَّمْسُ تَجْرِي لِمُسْتَقَرٍّ لَّهَا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ

And the sun runs on to a term appointed for it; that is the ordinance of the Mighty, the Knowing. (36:38)

وَالْقَمَرَ قَدَّرْنَاهُ مَنَازِلَ حَتَّىٰ عَادَ كَالْعُرْجُونِ الْقَدِيمِ

And (as for) the moon, We have ordained for it stages, till it becomes again as an old dry palm branch. (36:39)

لَا الشَّمْسُ يَنبَغِي لَهَا أَن تُدْرِكَ الْقَمَرَ وَلَا اللَّيْلُ سَابِقُ النَّهَارِ ۚ وَكُلٌّ فِي فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ

Neither is it allowable to the sun that it should overtake the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day; and all float on in a sphere. (36:40)

وَآيَةٌ لَّهُمْ أَنَّا حَمَلْنَا ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ فِي الْفُلْكِ الْمَشْحُونِ

And a sign to them is that We bear their offspring in the laden ship. (36:41)

وَخَلَقْنَا لَهُم مِّن مِّثْلِهِ مَا يَرْكَبُونَ

And We have created for them the like of it, what they will ride on. (36:42)

وَإِن نَّشَأْ نُغْرِقْهُمْ فَلَا صَرِيخَ لَهُمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُنقَذُونَ

And if We please, We can drown them, then there shall be no succourer for them, nor shall they be rescued, (36:43)

إِلَّا رَحْمَةً مِّنَّا وَمَتَاعًا إِلَىٰ حِينٍ

But (by) mercy from Us and for enjoyment till a time. (36:44)

وَنُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ فَإِذَا هُم مِّنَ الْأَجْدَاثِ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَنسِلُونَ

And the trumpet shall be blown, when lo! from their graves they shall hasten on to their Lord. (36:51)

The following verses should be written on the other side of the paper:

كَأَنَّهُمْ يَوْمَ يَرَوْنَ مَا يُوعَدُونَ لَمْ يَلْبَثُوا إِلَّا سَاعَةً مِّن نَّهَارٍ بَلَاغٌ ۚ فَهَلْ يُهْلَكُ إِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

On the day that they shall see what they are promised they shall be as if they had not tarried save an hour of the day. A sufficient exposition! Shall then any be destroyed save the transgressing people? (46:35)

كَأَنَّهُمْ يَوْمَ يَرَوْنَهَا لَمْ يَلْبَثُوا إِلَّا عَشِيَّةً أَوْ ضُحَاهَا

On the day that they see it, it will be as though they had not tarried but the latter part of a day or the early part of it. (79:46)

According to Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a), the best names for the child are those that convey submission of God, like Abdullah and also the names of prophets and names of Ahl Al-Bayt (‘a).

According to the tradition of Imam Ali (‘a), a child should be named when it is still in the womb, for if the child dies due to miscarriage, it will ask its parents on Judgment Day why he was not given a name. The Holy Prophet (S) named Lady Fatimah’s child as Mohsin while he was still in his mother’s womb and who died after a few days of the Prophet’s passing away while still in womb on account of a door falling on Lady Fatimah when her house was burnt.

It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that the first favour that a father can do to his child is that he should give him a good name.

It is narrated from the Holy Prophet (S) that: If one has four children, and he does not name even one of them after me, he has done injustice to me.

It is narrated from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that if one of the following names is kept in the family, there will be no poverty - Muhammad, Ahmed, Ali, Hasan, Husayn, Ja’far, Talib, Abdullah and Fatimah.

It is mentioned in reliable traditions that a person came to the Messenger of Allah (S) and said: A son is born to me, what should I name him as? He replied: In my view, Hamza is a nice name; name him as such.

According to Jabir, he accompanied Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) to the house of a person. A boy came out of the house and the Imam asked him his name. The boy answered, Muhammad; and when he was asked his agnomen (Kuniyah) he said, Abu Ali. At that time the Imam said that the boy has made himself safe from the mischief of Satan.

When the Satan hears anyone calling: O Muhammad or O Ali, he melts like gilt melts in furnace. And when he hears the names of the Ahl Al-Bayt’s enemies being called, he is happy.

According to another tradition, a person told Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that God has blessed him with son. The Imam congratulated him and when he was told that the boy’s name was Muhammad, he bowed down saying “Muhammad, Muhammad”. He neared touching the ground in this process and said that he, his offspring, his parents and wives were ready to sacrifice over the Holy Prophet (S).

He further said that when he had kept such a name, he should not scold or hurt (abuse) his child. When a child of the name of Muhammad is in any house, it is daily visited by angels.

It is mentioned in many traditions that the Messenger of Allah (S) forbid naming children as Hakam, Hakeem, Khalid and Maalik and also said that the most hateful names in view of God are the following: Harith, Maalik, Khalid. And he advised against four agnomens (Kuniyah): Abu Isa, Abul Hakam, Abu Maalik and Abul Qasim. The last is prohibited when both name and agnomen is same as that of the Messenger of Allah (S).

It is mentioned in tradition that the name of Yasin should not be kept as it was particularly meant for the Holy Prophet (S). And it is narrated from the Holy Prophet (S) that if a group had the people of the following names; Muhammad, Ahmed, Mahmud and Hamid, then their advice will be the best.

It is stated that if a child is named Muhammad, he should be given due respect, given a place in a gathering and should not be scolded or hurt (or abused). He further stated that if one in the family is named after the Prophets, an angel will be appointed to pray for the piety of the child.

According to Fiqhat Ar-Ridha’, the child should be named within seven days of birth. It is obligatory or emphasized recommendation to bathe a child after the birth with this intention that one is bathing the child for proximity to God. First his head should be washed followed by his right and left sides. In view of some scholars, this bath is obligatory.

9. Etiquette Of Aqiqa And Tonsuring

A person, who is capable, should perform Aqiqa for his child as it is strongly recommended and according to some scholars, it is compulsory. It is advisable to have Aqiqa on the seventh day of birth and if it is not possible, then it can be done by the father of the child as this recommended ritual can performed till the child reaches puberty.

If it is not performed till puberty by the father, then the child becomes responsible for carrying out this ritual from his reaching adulthood till the end of his days.

It is mentioned in many traditions that it is obligatory for the person to whom a son is born, to perform the Aqiqa.

It is mentioned in many traditions that a child, whose Aqiqa is not performed, is at a risk of death and different kinds of calamities.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), Aqiqa is compulsory for both, the rich and the poor, but a poor man can perform when possible and if he cannot perform at all, he is not responsible. And if a child’s Aqiqa has not been performed till sacrifice (of a lamb), then the first sacrifice will be done in his name and considered in lieu of Aqiqa.

According to another tradition, people complained to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that even after searching they were unable to find a sheep for Aqiqa. They asked whether they could give in charity the total cost of sheep instead. The Imam asked them to wait and said that if they searched more, they would get the animal, as God like the giving of food after sacrifice.

People asked if they have to do the Aqiqa of the child, who died on the seventh day, the Imam answered that they should not do if the child died before Noon Prayer, but perform if the child died after Noon Prayer.

According to an authentic tradition from Umar Ibn Ziyad, he told Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that he was not sure if his father had performed his Aqiqa. The Imam asked him to perform his own Aqiqa. So, Umar did it in his old age.

A reliable tradition from the Imam states that a child’s name should be kept on the seventh day after his birth and also his Aqiqa performed and the child’s head should be shaved and silver equal in weight to the shaven hair should be given in charity. One leg of the sheep should be sent to the midwife, who helped in the delivery and the remaining meat should be distributed among other people and given in charity.

In another trustworthy tradition, he said that when a child is born to you, on the seventh day sacrifice a sheep or camel and name the child; tonsure his head and give in charity gold or silver of equal weight of the hair.

It is mentioned in another tradition that you must give a fourth share of the sheep to the midwife and if the child is born without a midwife, you should give it to the mother; she can give to whoever she likes; the rest may be fed to at least ten Muslims and the more the better. Do not eat from the Aqiqa mutton yourself. If the midwife is Jew or non-Muslim, give her 25 percent of the cost of the sheep.

It is mentioned in a tradition that the share of the midwife is one-third. It is well known among scholars that Aqiqa should be with a camel, a sheep or goat. If it is a camel, it should be five years old or more. If it is a goat, it should be more than a year. If it is a sheep, it should be six months old. It is better if it is seven months old.

But it is necessary that the Aqiqa animal should not be castrated or have a defect; but it is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) in a reliable tradition that Aqiqa is not a sacrifice; any kind of animal will do; but it is better if it is flawless and fat.

According to Imam Ali Ibn Musa Ar-Ridha’ (‘a), the Holy Prophet (S), at the birth of Hasan and Husayn recited Adhan in their ears on the first day and Lady Fatimah (‘a) performed the Aqiqa on the seventh day and gave the mid-wife a leg of the sheep and a gold coin.

It is popular among Shi’a scholars that it is recommended to have a male animal sacrificed for a son and a female for a daughter. According to the author, however, the male is best for both. According to many reliable traditions, female animal is good for both, a son or a daughter.

It is recommended that parents should not eat from Aqiqa mutton. It is better that they should also not eat dishes prepared from this meat.

It is recommended that in an Aqiqa the animal’s bones should not be broken and the meat should be detached from the joints.

It is recommended to distribute the meat cooked or uncooked and the best way of cooking is by boiling the meat in salt and water. But distribution of uncooked meat also does not matter. If the animal for sacrifice is not available, then it is no use to give the total cost of the sacrificial animal in charity; in this situation one should be patient.

There is no condition that the meat should be given to the needy only, but it is advisable to give meat to the wealthy too.

It is a popular that first of all it is recommended to tonsure the head and to perform Aqiqa later and according to another tradition, tonsuring the head, performing Aqiqa, measuring silver or gold equal to the shaven hair and giving that silver or gold in charity should be done at the same place and at the same time. It is recommended to tonsure the whole head without leaving a single hair.

In another tradition, it is stated that a child with a plait was brought to the Holy Prophet (S) that he may pray for it. The Holy Prophet (S) refused and asked his plait to be shaved off.

It is mentioned in a tradition that the Messenger of Allah (S) had left two hairs on the left side of the head of Hasan and Husayn (‘a) at the time of tonsuring them. According to one report they were left in the middle of head. It is possible that this was only restricted to them or that it is detestable to shave them in this manner only the first time.

It is mentioned in another tradition that it is recommended to rub saffron on the head after it is tonsured.

Many reliable traditions prohibit the rubbing of the animal’s blood on child’s head as it is a custom of the period of Ignorance (Jahiliyya).

A reliable tradition states that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) used to recite the following prayer while Aqiqa animal was sacrificed:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَبِاللَّهِ اَللَّهُمَّ عَقِيقَةٌ عَنْ فُلَانٍ

Translation: I begin with the name of Allah and with reliance on him. O Allah, this Aqiqa is of (take the name of the child).

لَحْمُهَا بِلَحْمِهِ وَدَمُهَا بِدَمِهِ وَعَظْمُهَا بِعَظْمِهِ اَللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهَا وقاءً بِآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ السَّلَامُ

Translation: This meat is instead of his meat; this blood is instead of his blood and these bones are instead of his bones. O Allah, through Muhammad (S) and Aali Muhammad (‘a) consider this Aqiqa instead of the child.

If it is female, the middle portion of the supplication should be recited as follows:

لَحْمُهَا بِلَحْمِهِ وَدَمُهَا بدمها وَعَظْمُهَا بعظمها

Translation: This flesh is instead of her flesh; this blood is instead of her blood and these bones are instead of her bones.

In another authentic tradition, he has stated the following supplication to be recited:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَبِاللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ إِيمَانًا بِاللَّهِ وَثَنَاءً عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ والعصمة لِأَمْرِهِ وَالشُّكْرُ لِرِزْقِهِ وَالْمَعْرِفَةُ بفضله علينا أَهْلِ الْبَيْتِ

Translation: I begin with the name of Allah. I rely on Allah. All praise is for Allah. Allah is the greatest. We believe in Allah, commend the Messenger of Allah, seek shelter with Him, and thank Him for the sustenance He gives us and for the recognition of the superiority of the Ahl al-Bayt.

He said in another trustworthy tradition that the following supplication should be recited:

اَللَّهُمَّ انَّكَ وهبت لنا ذكرا وانت اعلم بما وهبت ومنك ما أعطيت وكل ما صنعنا فتقبله منا على سُنَّتك وسنَّة نبيك ورسولك صلى الله عليه وآله وسلَّم واخسأ عنا الشيطان الرجيم لك سفكت الدماء لا شريك لك و الحمد لله رب العالمين اَللَّهُمَّ لحمها بلحمه ودمها بدمه وعظمها بعظمه وشعرها بشعره وجلدها بجلده اَللَّهُمَّ اجعلها وقاء لفلان بن فلان

Translation: O Allah You have blessed us with a son and You are aware of what caliber he is. Whatever You have blessed us with and whatever You have done for us is by Yourself. O Allah, accept this from us; it is in accordance with Thy practice and the practice of Thy Prophet and keep Satan away from us.

O Thou, Who has no partner! Only for Thy goodwill am I offering this blood. All praise is for Allah, Who is the creator of the Universe. O Allah this meat is instead of his meat and this blood is instead of his blood and these bones are instead of his bones and these hairs are instead of his hair and this skin is instead of his skin.

O Allah, accept this as the sacrifice of so and so, son of so and so (name of the son and the father); and if it is a girl, the first part of the prayer is enough.

He said in another tradition that the following supplication must be recited:

يَا قَوْمِ إِنِّي بَرِيءٌ مِّمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ

O people, indeed I see what you associate with. (6:78)

إِنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا ۖ وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

Indeed! I turn my face to the originator of the heavens and the earth, the upright and a Muslim and I am not from the polytheists. (6:79)

إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Surely my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are (all) for Allah, the Lord of the worlds, (6:162)

لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ۖ وَبِذَٰلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

No associate has He; and this am I commanded, and I am the first of those, who submit. (6:163)

اللهم منك ولك بسم الله وبالله والله أكبر اللهم صلِّ على محمدٍ وآلِ محمدٍ وتقبل من فلان.

Translation: O Allah, from You and for You. In the name of Allah and by Allah and Allah is the greatest. O Allah bless Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad and accept from so and so.

10. Circumcision Of Boys And Girls And Rules Of Piercing The Ears

It is emphasized recommendation to circumcise a boy on the seventh day after birth. To do it on eighth day or before puberty is also recommended. Some say that it is obligatory on the guardian to get it done when the boy is approaching the age of puberty.

Circumcision of girls is also obligatory and it is recommended that the excess skin should be cut off a little and not in excess.

The right ear of boys should be pierced and the upper part of the left ear should be pierced.

It is mentioned in a reliable tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the body will become handsome and improve weight after circumcision within the seven days after his birth. The earth dislikes the urine of one, who is not circumcised.

In a correct tradition, he has stated that it is recommended to circumcise the boy and to pierce his ear on the seventh day.

It is stated from the Holy Prophet (S) that the earth remains impure for forty days by the urine of a person, who is not circumcised.

He has mentioned in another tradition that the earth pleads to the Almighty Allah due to his urine.

It is mentioned in a reliable tradition from Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) that it is recommended to circumcise a boy on the seventh day after his birth, but there is no harm if it is done later.

According to Imam Ali (‘a), one should get circumcised even at the age of eighty if he has professed Islam.

It is mentioned in many traditions that circumcision of males is recommended and circumcision of females is not recommended; due to circumcision a woman earns respect of her husband; then what more does she want?

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) in a report that girls should be circumcised after the age of seven years.

It is mentioned in a reliable tradition that one of the ladies, who had migrated with the Messenger of Allah (S), came to him; she was named Umme Habiba and she used to perform circumcision of ladies.

The Holy Prophet (S) asked: O Umme Habiba, do you still practice what you did before? She replied: I still do it, but if you prohibit, I will leave it. His Eminence said: Don’t leave it. It is lawful.

On the contrary, I will explain to you what you should do. When you perform circumcision of ladies, you must only cut off a little bit of flesh as it makes the face radiant, the complexion improves and she earn more respect in the view of her husband.

Then her sister, Umme Atiyyah arrived, who was a beautician. The Messenger of Allah (S) said; Do not wipe the faces of women with cloth, as it leads to loss of their natural beauty and do not add artificial hair to the real hair.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that at the time of circumcision, the following supplication should be recited:

اللهم هذه سنتك وسنةُ نبيك صلواتك عليه وآله واتباع منَّا لك ولنبيك بمشيئتك وبارادتك وقضائك لامر اردته وقضاء حتمته وامر انفذته واذقته حرَّ الحديد في ختانه وحجامته بأمر انت أعرف به مني. اَللَّهُمَّ فطهره من الذنوب وزد في عمره وادفع الآفات عن بدنه والاوجاع عن جسمه وزده من الغنى وادفع عنه الفقر فانَّك تعلم ولا نعلم.

Translation: O Allah! This is Your practice and that of Your Prophet on whom and on whose progeny, You shower Your blessings. We follow You and Your Prophet, which is in accordance with Your will, intention and the affair about which You had willed and decided and commanded according to which You have made him taste the temperature of iron in the performance of circumcision and vivisection the suitability of which You are more aware than us.

O Allah clean him of his sins, lengthen his age, alleviate all his bodily pains, make him healthy, grant him more wealth, and let him not suffer from poverty for You have knowledge, whereas we do not have.

Even if the circumcision is performed near the age of puberty, the above supplication should be recited as the heat of the iron is dispelled by it.

It is narrated from Husayn Ibn Khalid that someone asked Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) in what way congratulations should be offered on the birth of child. He replied: When Imam Al-Hasan (‘a) was born, Jibra’il came to the Holy Prophet (S) to offer congratulations on the seventh day and brought instructions that he should be named, his head shaved and his ears pierced.

In the same way, upon the birth of Imam Husayn (‘a) also, Jibra’il arrived on the seventh day and brought the same orders. Two strands of hair were left unshaved on the left side and the lobe of the right ear and the upper part of his left ear was pierced.

It is narrated from the Imam of the Time (‘a) that the boy should be circumcised again if the foreskin of the genital organ has developed after the first circumcision and covered the front portion of the organ. The earth complains to God for forty days when a person, whose organ is covered with foreskin, urinates upon it.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that one cannot be a prayer leader or give evidence if he is not circumcised, without any strong reason, neither is the prayer on his death permissible. The only acceptable strong reason is danger to life in case of circumcision.

In another tradition, it is narrated that the first female to be circumcised was Lady Hajra, mother of Prophet Isma’il (‘a) as Lady Sarah, mother of Prophet Ishaq (‘a), had circumcised her in anger; but it increased the beauty of Lady Hajra and from that day started the practice of female circumcision.

11. Manners Of Feeding And Upbringing Children And Consideration Of Their Rights

We should know that a child should be nursed for not more than two years and Shi’a scholars do not think it correct to nurse a child for more than two years, except when there is some disease or dangerous situation, and the feeding period should not be less than 21 months unless there is some compulsion as the non-availability to pay the wet-nurse, or the mother’s milk has dried in the process of feeding or she suffers from some dangerous disease.

According to some Shi’a scholars, it is obligatory on a mother to feed the baby the moment the milk is filled in her breast; otherwise, the child will die, or even if it survives, it will be weak.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that the best thing for a child is the breast milk of its mother.

It is mentioned in another tradition that Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) saw Ishaq’s mother feeding her child. Imam (‘a) told her not to feed with one breast; but both the breasts, as one is in lieu of food and the other in lieu of water and he also stated that feeding the child for less than 21 months is cruelty on the part of the mother on the child.

It is narrated from the Imam in another tradition that the wet nurse should be kept under vigilance to feed the child properly. The wet nurse can be a Jew or a Christian. In case she takes the child home, she should be prohibited to commit any act forbidden in Islam, but allowed in their religion, like drinking wine, eating pork etc. It is prohibited to feed the child with any woman’s milk, who gives birth to a child by committing fornication.

It is mentioned in some traditions that if a slave girl commits fornication and then gives birth to a child, if the owner of the slave girl makes her lawful for the man with whom she has fornicated, her milk can be fed to the child. And the free woman, who committed fornication through choice and from which milk was produced; there is prohibition for that milk in traditions.

The Messenger of Allah (S) has also prohibited the milk of a woman, who is foolish or one, who has some defect in the eye, as breast milk affects the child.

According to Imam Ali (‘a), one should find a feeding woman, who is both: good looking and of good character; because when the milk enters the child’s body, he resembles his feeding woman both, in looks and character.

It is narrated from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that allow your child to play for seven years and then train and educate him for the next seven years; if he is well behaved, you should make further efforts to train him; if not, you should know that no good can be expected from him.

In another tradition, he stated that a child should be allowed to play for seven years and teach him reading writing in the next seven years and during the third seven years teach him about religion and religious law.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that the first seven years should be spent in physical upbringing and in the next seven years he should be taught morals and manners and then he should be entrusted with work in the next seven years and supervised how he completes those jobs.

He also said: The height of the child grows till twenty-three years and his intellect grows till twenty-five years.

In another tradition, he stated that when a child reaches the age of six, he should not be allowed to sleep with another child of the same age on the same bed.

In another tradition, it is stated that a boy and a girl reaching the age of ten should sleep on different beds.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), children should be taught traditions as soon as possible, so that the opponents may not lead them astray.

It is mentioned in authentic traditions that you must teach your children love for Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a); if they do not accept, you should investigate about their mothers, because non-acceptance of the love of Ali (‘a) is a sign of illegitimate birth.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that one, who possesses love of Ahl Al-Bayt (‘a) in his heart should pray in excess for his mother as she has not been dishonest with the right of his father.

It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (S) that the right of the son on his father is that he should give him a good name; he should be given nice education and training and as far as possible, he should teach him a noble profession.

According to another tradition, Sakooni presented himself before Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) and said that he was badly hurt. When Imam inquired into the case, Sakooni said that God had given him a daughter.

The Imam told Sakooni that, there was no need for him to be hurt as the earth was ready to bear her burden and God was ready to provide her with food and not a single moment from his life would be given to the child and she would not even eat a single grain of food that was reserved for him.

When the Imam asked him what name he had given to the child, he replied, Fatimah, at which the Imam sighed twice and keeping his hand on the forehead told Sakooni that the Holy Prophet (S) had made the parents responsible for certain rights of the child.

The Holy Prophet (S) had said that if the child is a son, the father is responsible for keeping a beautiful and pious feeding woman for the child and for giving him a good name, for educating him in the Qur’an, for circumcising him and to make him learn swimming.

If the child was a daughter, it is the responsibility of mother to appoint a good feeding woman for her, to give her a good name, to make her learn Surah Nur and to keep her from reciting Surah Yusuf, not to keep her on the floor of the house and to get her married as soon as possible.

The Imam told Sakooni that if he has named his daughter Fatimah, he should not be rude and harsh to her or abuse her in any other way.

It is narrated from Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: Teach your sons swimming and archery.

Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) said that if a child is naughty and bad mannered, it should be understood that he will grow up to be wise and serious.

According to a tradition from the Holy Prophet (S), some parents were punished by God for being disinherited by their children; i.e., the children can disinherit their parents, in the same manner as parents can disinherit children, and the Holy Prophet (S) also said that may God have mercy on those parents, who help their children in good deeds and make them pious.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), the Holy Prophet (S) said that a person, who helps his children with good deeds is blessed by the Almighty God. The reporter asked how help could be rendered?

The Holy Prophet (S) said that the parents should show their children simple work and congratulate them on completion of the work so that they may be encouraged and refrain from allotting difficult tasks to children and as far as possible, should not burden the children and deal with them without anger and embarrassment.

According to another tradition, a person asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) with whom he should do a good turn. Imam (‘a) said: With your parents. He said: They are no more. He said: Do good to your children.

According to another tradition, the Holy Prophet (S), said that you must love and be kind to your children and fulfil the promise you make to them; because in their view, you are the provider of their sustenance.

Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) said that God is not as infuriated on anything as He is infuriated on the injustice committed on women and children.

According to a tradition from the Holy Prophet (S), a person, who kisses his child, will have a good act recorded in his scroll of deeds by God and a person, who makes his child happy and makes him recite Qur’an, on Judgment Day, parents of the child will be called and clothed in two heavenly robes that the light emanating from them will brighten the faces of inhabitants of heaven.

In another tradition, a person came to the Holy Prophet (S) and said that he has never kissed his children. When he went away His Eminence said: In my view, he is an inmate of Hell.

The Holy Prophet (S) said in another tradition that a person having a child should play with him like children.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) said that Allah has mercy on one, who is fonder of his children.

Another tradition states that the Holy Prophet (S) noticed a person, who had two sons. The person used to kiss only one son. The Holy Prophet (S) asked him why he was not kind to both his sons? One should remember that one child should not be given preference over other children, except when one of them has more knowledge or righteousness.

According to a reliable tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), when the child is of three years, he should be made to recite: There is no god, except Allah. (La ilaha illa Allah) seven times and when the child is of 3 years 7 months and 20 days, he should be made to recite Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad ar-Rasul Allah) and when he reaches the age of four years, he should be made to recite:

May Allah bless Muhammad and his progeny (Salla Allahu Muhammadi wa Aalihi) seven times and when the child is five years, he should learn to prostrate before God.

When the child reaches the age of six, he should be made to learn ablution and prayers and at the age of seven he should know the prayers completely and should be punished for not performing ablution or prayers. The result being, that when the child knows ablution and prayers completely, God forgives his parents.

It is mentioned in another tradition that Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) prohibited arming the children with weapons, lest someone is caused harm through them.

He said in another reliable tradition that before sending them to bed, the hands, legs and face of children should be washed (of dirt), otherwise Satan smells them and they are frightened during sleep and the guardian angels are also troubled.

According to the Holy Prophet (S), a person who brings gifts for his wife and children, gets the reward of providing beggars with charity and handing it over personally to them. It is advisable, that whatever is brought, should be given first to the daughter then to the sons.

For a person, who makes the daughters happy, gets the reward of freeing an offspring of Prophet Isma’il (‘a) from slavery and one, who makes his sons happy gets the reward of crying on account of the fear of God and one, who weeps in fear of God will enter heaven.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), feeding children with Qawoot (a sweet dish) will increase flesh on their bodies and strengthen their bones.

He said in another tradition that they should be given pomegranate as it provides much strength and makes them matured.

In Tibb Al-A’imma, Imam Ali (‘a) has stated that if a child cries a lot or a woman is afraid in her dreams or a person cannot sleep in the night, the following verses should be recited:

فَضَرَبْنَا عَلَىٰ آذَانِهِمْ فِي الْكَهْفِ سِنِينَ عَدَدًا

“So We prevented them from hearing in the cave for a number of years.” (18:11)

ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَاهُمْ لِنَعْلَمَ أَيُّ الْحِزْبَيْنِ أَحْصَىٰ لِمَا لَبِثُوا أَمَدًا

Then We raised them up that We might know which of the two parties was best able to compute the time for which they remained.” (18:12)

According to a reliable tradition, when a girl reaches the age of six, she should observe Hijab (modest dress) with unrelated (ghayr marham5) and should not be allowed to sit in their lap.

It is mentioned in another tradition that Imam Ali Ar-Ridha’ (‘a) was present in a gathering. A girl was brought there and people present there kissed that girl one after another and made her sit in their lap. When it was the turn of the Imam, he asked how old she was. They said she was five years old. The Imam sent her away without kissing her or making her sit in his lap.

It is mentioned in another tradition that the girl, who has completed six years of age, her mother should not make her sleep with her naked, as she is now regarded as matured.

It is mentioned in a tradition that when the girl is six years old, no boy should see her unclothed.

According to a reliable tradition, accursed is one, who does not provide sustenance to his children till they starve to death.

Imam Musa Al-Kazim (‘a) said that the wife and children of a man are his prisoners. One, who is blessed, should provide the good things to them as well; otherwise, the bounty will disappear shortly.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), maintenance of two daughters, two sisters, two paternal aunts or two maternal aunts is enough to save a person from the fire of hell.

According to the Holy Prophet (S), there is a special level in heaven. No one can reach that level, except three persons: (1) Just Imam (2) A person, who is kind and generous to his relatives (3) One, who bears with patience the expenditure of his wife and children and difficulties faced on account of them.

According to Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), providing food to the following is compulsory: (1) Offspring (2) Father (3) Mother (4) Slave (5) Wife.

Children of one’s offspring are also included in the term offspring (and so on through generations) and paternal grandfather and grandmother are also included among parents (and so on through generations).

12. Rights Of Parents On Their Children And Obedience And Respect Due To Them

One should remember that respecting one’s parents is one of the essentials of faith and keeping them happy is the most excellent form of worship and to make them hurt on one’s account or disowned by them is a major sin.

The Almighty God has revealed in the Holy Qur’an that if one’s parents are infidels and order one to become disbeliever, still one should be kind towards them, though one may not agree to become a disbeliever (obey their orders).

According to a reliable tradition, a person came to the Holy Prophet (S) and asked him for some advice. The Holy Prophet (S) said: I advise you not to regard anyone as partner with Almighty God even if people burn you; though you can say something to save your life, but your heart should have solid faith in the Oneness of God and I advise you to give due respect to parents and be kind towards them, whether they are alive or dead.

So much so that even if they ask you to forgo what you have, you should obey them as their obedience is obligatory in worldly matters.

It is mentioned in another tradition that someone asked the Messenger of Allah (S) that what was the right of the father on the son. He replied: He should not mention the father by name; should not precede him while walking, should not take a seat before the parents and he should not commit any such act that people curse and condemn his father due to that.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) asked the people why they were not kind to their parents whether they were dead or alive. After the death of the parents, one should offer prayers on their behalf, keep fast for them, perform Hajj by proxy for them; and both, the dead parents and the child will be rewarded for these deeds. These kind deeds are on behalf of the parents and God will reward one bountifully for these.

A reliable tradition states that a man came to the Holy Prophet (S) and asked him to whom should he render kindness. The Prophet (S) asked him to be kind with his mother. Thrice he put the same question to the Holy Prophet (S) and thrice he got the same answer. When he asked the fourth time, he was asked to be kind to the father.

According to another tradition, a person came to the Holy Prophet (S) and said that he liked to go on Jihad very much. The Prophet (S) answered that he should go on Jihad for Almighty and if he dies during it, he would be washed off all his sins as though he had just been born.

The man told the Holy Prophet (S) that his parents were very old and were attached to him and could not bear his separation. The Holy Prophet (S) asked him to remain with his parents and, taking an oath on the Almighty in whose power lay his life, the Holy Prophet (S) said that the nearness of the parents for a night for the man was better than a year of Jihad for the Almighty God.

Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) said that no one can recompense the rights of parents, except in case the father is a slave and the son purchases him and emancipates him; or if he is indebted and the son repays his debt.

In another tradition, the Imam has stated that at times children are kind to their parents while they are alive, but after their death, they forget to pay back their debts or pray for their salvation and this makes the Almighty God disinherit the children of their parents.

And at times it happens that the child is disinherited of his parents during their lifetime, but after their death he pays back their debts and prays for the forgiveness and on account of this, God considers him among those who are kind to their parents.

According to another tradition, the Imam has said that there are three things, which are not prohibited by God in any way: (1) Returning a thing of which you were given responsibility, whether the thing is good or bad. (2) Fulfilling one’s promise regardless of its being with good or bad people (3) Obedience of parents, whether they are good or bad.

He said in another tradition that the least disobedience of the parents is to utter the word of ‘Uff” to them. He said: On Judgment Day, a curtain will be lifted from Paradise and fragrance of Paradise will be perceived everyone up to the distance of five hundred years, except one, who has displeased his parents.

He said in another tradition that Almighty Allah will not accept any prayers of one, who looks upon his parents in anger, even when they are being oppressive to him.

He said in another tradition that glaring sharply at parents is also included in disobedience.

In another tradition from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a), it is stated that the Imam’s father saw a person walking on the road. His son was walking along with him supporting himself against the hand of his father. The Imam never spoke to him as long as he was alive.

Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) has asked one to be kind to one’s parents that one’s children may in turn be kind to him and that one should not ignore the veil of other women so that people may not ignore the veil of your household.

He also said that whosoever desires God to ease the pain of death, then it is compulsory on him to be considerate to relatives and kind to parents, for on account of these deeds, God eases the difficult time of death and keeps one safe from difficulties during lifetime.

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that a believer, in whom four qualities gather, will get the highest level of Paradise by Allah:

He provides shelter and becomes a guardian to an orphan; secondly, he has mercy on a person in need; thirdly, one, who bears the expenses of the parents and who behaves nicely with them and never angers them; he helps his slave and does not act harshly with him and helps him in whatever he entrusts to him and does not order him to do what is beyond his capacity.

According to a reliable tradition from Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), three prayers and three curses are definitely heard:

1. Prayers of parents for their pious offspring and curses of parents for their disobedient offspring.

2. Curse for the cruel and prayers of the innocent for one, who takes revenge on the cruel person in justification of the innocent.

3. The prayers of the believer for a believer, who shares his wealth with the former for the sake of Ahl Al-Bayt and curse of the believer for a believer who, in spite of having ability, did not oblige the request of believer.

According to the Holy Prophet (S), a pious offspring, who looks towards his parents with kindness and love, is rewarded for every look of his with the reward of an accepted deed. When the people asked the Holy Prophet (S) whether he will be rewarded even if he looks a hundred times towards his parents in that manner, the Holy Prophet (S) replied that the greatness and generosity of God is larger than his deeds.

In another tradition, the Holy Prophet (S) has stated that looking towards the faces of four persons is equal to supplication: (1) the just Imam (2) the scholar (3) the parents (4) the believer brother, whom he likes for the sake of God.

He also stated that one is punished for three sins very soon in this world only: (1) disobeying parents (2) cruelty to creatures of God (3) thanklessness to God and His creatures.

It is mentioned in another tradition from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) that there was a pious man in Bani Israel, named Jarih. He was always engrossed in worship in his hermitage. One day, his mother came and called him out. He did not reply as he was engrossed in prayers. She called out the second and the third time, but he remained engrossed in his prayers. His mother said: I beg the God of Bani Israel to punish you for this sin.

The following day a woman of loose morals came to his hermitage and gave birth to a child and spread the rumour that it was the child of Jarih through fornication. There was a scandal in the whole country that though he advocated piety, he himself indulged in fornication. The ruler condemned him to the gallows.

His mother arrived there lamenting. Jarih said: Keep quiet! This happened only because of your curse. When people heard this, they inquired about the matter. The worshipper narrated the whole story.

They asked how it can be verified? He replied: Bring the child and ask him only. When they brought the child and asked him from whose seed he was born; the child spoke up by the command of God and said: From the seed of so and so shepherd of so and so person.

As a result of this testimony that worshipper was saved from the gallows and he swore that he will never give up service to his mother.

In other words, so numerous are traditions regarding parents that it is not at all possible to compile them in one place.

• 1. Sayyids.
• 2. A sweet dish consisting of dates and oil etc.
• 3. Though apparently Amir Al-Mu’minin (‘a) is addressed in this tradition, the intended audience is the whole community, like in the Holy Qur’an, the Messenger of Allah (S) is addressed, while the targeted audience is all people.
• 4. A broth of barley.
• 5. Persons, with whom marriage is not prohibited.