}}} Imam Saadiq (AS) said to some of his companions...

}}} Imam Saadiq (AS) said to some of his companions: “When your bride enters your room both turn to the Qiblah and say: Allahumma be Amanatika Akhathtuha wa be Kalimaatika Estahlaltuha, Fa in Qadhayta Li Minha Waladan, faj'alhu Mubarakan Taqiyyan min Shi'ati Al-e Muhammad (sal-lal-lahu alayhi wa alihi wa sallam) Walaa taj-'al Lish-Shaytani fihi Shirkan walaa Nasiba.

‘O Allah with Your trust I have accepted her, and with Your words I have made her Halaal to myself, so if You decree for me a child from her, make the child blessed and pious, and follower of the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS), and do not allow for the Shaytaan to have any share or part in the child.’” And if the groom wanted to make love with his bride; he should first read the following Du’a: “Allahummar-Zuqni Waladan, waj-‘alhu Taqeyyan Zakeyyan; Laysa Fi Khalqihi Zeyaadatan wa la Nuqsaan, Waj-‘al Aaqibatahu ila al-Khayr” {{O Allah!

Give me a child who is pious and pure in whose creation there is nothing missing or overgrown. And make their fate and destiny good and prosperous.}}} At the moment of love making one should say Bismillah al- Rahmaan al-Raheem. In a hadith from al-Imam al-Saadiq (AS): “Do not arrange for the wedding night to coincide with the moon going through the scorpion phase, for would not lead to a happy marriage.” During the first week of marriage . . . .

It is reported that Rasulollah (S) said to Imam Ali (AS) “Prevent the bride from eating four things in her first week of marriage: Dairy products Vinegar Coriander Sour apple Imam Ali (AS) asked for the reason for this, Rasulollah (S) replied: “Since these four (could) make the womb cool and barren, . . . .” For if she menstruates after consuming vinegar she will never be entirely clean (from her menstruation), [i.e.

she will continue to experience minor bleeding outside her normal monthly period.] And coriander will intensify the bleeding of her menstruation inside her, and exacerbate her labor if she were to give birth. And the sour apple would stop her menstruation bleeding which would be an illness for her . . .” Designer Babies . . .

Etiquette and Timing of Lovemaking There is very important advice that Rasulollah (S) has given to Imam Ali (AS), which has significant outcomes, and this is given below in full. As can be seen from the following hadith, the date and time of the intercourse and therefore conception has a direct and defining impact on the character of the child conceived.