This is then followed by sexual etiquettes and its importance in Islam...

This is then followed by sexual etiquettes and its importance in Islam, as well as recommendations for the acts and times in which a sexual union is particularly advisable or not. A section on important fiqh rules laying out essential information in a simple manner follows. All the fiqh rules are in accordance with Ayatullāh al-°Uzmā Sayyid °Alī al-°Husainī as-Sīstānī. Muqallidīn of other mujtahids are recommended to refer to their own Risālah for these sections.

With respect to sexual etiquette, family planning and the conception period, Islamic recommendations have been highlighted with regards to foods, acts and times, preparing the ground for the making of a righteous and beautiful child, insha-Allāh. Once pregnant, both the mother and father need to be aware of their roles and responsibilities, allowing them to fulfil these in the best manner possible.

Once again, recommendations for foods, acts and supplications have been outlined, to begin the nourishing and fostering of the child from these early stages in the womb. Recommended acts for a safe and easy delivery and for the period immediately after delivery are then discussed, continuing on to breastfeeding, which is known as one of the rights of a child.

This is then followed by some additional important fiqh rules for the mother, dealing mainly with the issue of Nifās (the blood seen by the mother after childbirth). Last but definitely not least, this work closes with a chapter on raising children, including 40 Akhlāqī points on interacting with your child, instilling the love of the Ahlul Bayt (as) in them and tips on memorisation of the Qur`an for both parent and child.

This section is filled with important and interesting information that if adhered to, can only serve to have a positive and beneficial impact on the child. It is necessary to mention certain points that may crop up in the reader’s mind when going through the vast amount of information available.

Firstly, certain recommendations may seem very specific and narrow, such as that of the times when one should and should not conceive; however, it is essential to remember that Islam is not a difficult religion, and these recommendations are not there to impose unnecessary restrictions on us. Rather, these recommendations are placed there for our benefit, by a Creator who knows us better than we know ourselves.

A little effort on our part will have long term consequences that we may not even be aware of.