Written By: Noor Rahim

At AMANI Birth, we encourage expecting mothers to not simply “endure” any pain they may encounter but to accept it head-on with effective coping mechanisms. These habits boost the mother’s confidence and allow pain to no longer be an impending fear that throws her in a state of panic. From these habits is to learn how to engage in tummy (or diaphragmatic) breathing in order to signal calmness to the parasympathetic nervous system and this amazingly decreases the mother’s pain. Another habit that is commonly mentioned, yet not delved as deeply into, is the power and strength that is attained through the remembrance of Allah.

The remembrance of Allah is an action on the tongue but it stems from the heart.
At a time of physical pain or emotional turmoil, it fills one’s heart with tranquility and reassurance that Allah is watching over. He sees, He hears, and He has complete perfect knowledge in a manner that befits His Majesty.

“And remember Allah much, that you may be successful.” (Quran; 62:10)

“….. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!” (Quran; 13:28)

“… And the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward
(i.e., Paradise/Jannah).” (Quran; 33:35)

Remembering Allah is tied to prosperity, comfort and well-being. Most importantly, remembering Allah allows the woman to envision what awaits her beyond this hardship. In the midst of hardship, nothing is sweeter than the relieving reassurance of paradise.

Abu Dharr reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said:
“O My slaves, all of you are astray except those whom I guide, so ask Me for guidance, and I will guide you. O My slaves, all of you are hungry except those whom I feed, so ask me for food and I will feed you. O My slaves, all of you are naked except those whom I clothe, so ask Me for clothing and I will clothe you… O My slaves, if the first of you and the last of you, your humans and your jinn, were to stand on a single plain and ask of Me and I were to give each one what he asked for, that would not cause any loss to Me greater than what is lost when a needle is dipped into the sea.” (Narrated by Muslim 2577)

In this Hadith Qudsi (a narration from the Prophet, peace be upon him, which contains Allah’s statement), every mother is reminded of her great dependency on her Lord. She is dependent on Him for the food that nourishes her and her baby and the clothing that protects her and her baby. She is reminded that were she to ask Allah for any of her needs, Allah is Merciful and would grant her in abundance as long as she comes to Him with a sincere intention and proper guidance. Indeed, to rely on Allah and to always be aware of Him is one of the greatest blessings a Muslim can be gifted with.