ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books From Marriage to Parenthood The Heavenly Path Chapter 5: Conception Recommended Foods The food one eats not only has a great impact on the physical aspect of a person, but on the soul and psyche as well. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that parents-to-be stay away from forbidden food, and even those that food which is doubtful.[^1] Additionally, some foods have also been specifically recommended by the Imāms for a beautiful and righteous child.

Before the conception of Haďrat Fāťima (sa), the Prophet (S) by the command of Allāh (SwT) stayed away from Haďrat Khadīja for 40 days. During these 40 days, he performed acts of worship and fasted, and his ifťār consisted of food that had been brought from the heaven. It is recommended to eat the following foods before trying to conceive: 1. Chichory [^2] a. It has been recommended that the father should eat chicory.[^3] 2. Pomegranate a.

It is narrated from the Prophet (S): “Eating pomegranate is a cause of increased sperm production for men and makes the child beautiful and healthy as well.”[^4] b. It is narrated from Imām al-Riďā : “Eating sweet pomegranate makes a man powerful in the sexual act and greatly affects the beauty of the child.”[^5] 3. Qawoot a.

Qawoot is a powder made by grinding and sifting the following ingredients in relative quantities: Roasted wheat, Roasted Barley, Roasted Sun-flower seeds, Roasted Water melon seeds, Roasted Melon seeds, Roasted Roasted Deep Ribbed melon seeds, Roasted Purslane seeds, Roasted Coriandor, Roasted Hemp-seeds, Roasted Fennel seeds, Roasted poppy seeds, Roasted Peas, Sesame, Pistachio, Coffee, Cardamon, Cinamon, Almond, Sugar.

As this mixture is not readily available in most countries, it is suggested that the above contents are eaten on their own, e.g. pistachios and almonds. b. It has been recommended that both the father and mother should eat qawoot: It is narrated that a man told Imām as-Ŝādiq (as): “O son of the Messenger of Allāh (SwT), a son has just been born who is weak and simple-minded.” Imām replied: “Why didn’t you eat qawoot? Eat that and recommend your family to do so too.

Surely, qawoot makes flesh grow and makes the bones firm, and a son will not be born from you except that he is strong.”[^6] c. It is narrated from Imām as-Ŝādiq (as): “Eating qawoot with olive oil and meat fattens a person, makes bones firm, makes the body bright and with Nūr (Noble light) and increases the sexual power.”[^7] 4.