At the time of conception...

At the time of conception, his gaze fell on the picture and he thought of his friend; this very thought had an effect on the sperm and a tan-skinned child, similar to his friend, was born.[^13] Therefore, when trying to conceive, it is strongly recommended in Islam that the recommended acts below are adhered to in order to conceive a pure and good child: Try and be relaxed, as this results in increased blood circulation and thus, a normal child.

It is narrated from Imām Hasan: “(If) at every time of conception, the heart is relaxed, blood circulation is normal and the body is without agitation and anxiety, the child will resemble his father and mother.”[^14] Likewise, a healthy relationship between husband and wife and a strong physical attraction is beneficial for the child, whereas fear and worry will have a negative effect on the child.[^15] Be in Wuďū and in the remembrance of Allāh (SwT) as this results in relaxation and calming of the heart and has positive effects on the sperm and thus the child.[^16] Allāh (SwT) states this in the Noble Qur`an, in Surat al-Ra°d, Verse 28:  أَلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُمْ بِذِكْرِ اللٌّهِ أَلاَ بِذِكْرِ اللٌّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُــلُوبُ  “Those who have faith and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allāh (SwT); Look!

The hearts find rest in Allāh (SwT)’s remembrance!” Start with the following Du°ā: It is narrated from the Imām al-Bāqir (as) that before the act, recite the following: أَللٌّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنِي وَلَداً وَ اجْعَلْهُ تَقِيّاً لَيْسَ فِي خَلْقِهِ زِيَادَةٌ وَ لاَ نُقْصَانٌ وَ اجْعَلْ عَاقِـبَتَهُ إِلَى خَيْرٍ. “O Allāh (SwT)! Bless me with a child, and make him pious.

Let there not be in his creation any excess or any defect, and give him a good destiny.”[^17] State of body The state of the body of the parents too, has a perceptible effect on the child, and can lead to weaknesses and illnesses in the child if one is not careful. Do not make love the night that you return from a journey, or the night that you intend to leave for a journey, as one is usually stressed and tired on these nights.

It has also been narrated that this results in the child being a wanderer and a pedlar,[^18] and the child will use up his wealth in the wrong ways.[^19] Do not make love in the first hours of the night, with a tired body and a full stomach, as this results in the child being a sorcerer and choosing the world over the hereafter.

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