01 February 2026 / 13. Shabaan 1447
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From Marriage to Parenthood is a key aid on the path to please Allah in two of the acts which He particularly praises: the institution of marriage and role of a parent. Abbas and Shaheen Merali have done an excellent job in narrating important hadith and in turn giving guidance to a subject many shy away from. Guidance from our Holy Prophet (pbuh) and Holy Imams are important in all areas of life, and these stages which make up most of our lifespans (God Willing) are not short of advice and teachings from the holy household. Some may be surprised to see the level of guidance we have been given and detail on intricate and intimate areas in our lives, which will be highlighted by this book. The book takes one through the journey from the wedding night, through family planning, to pregnancy, delivery, the recommended role of breastfeeding and right through to raising children. For many this book could be a guide for a 30 – 40 year stretch, and is a must on each practising Muslim’s bookshelf or e-bookshelf. |
This was the one book that accompanied me on three of the most joyous occasions of my life namely, the wedding night and birth of my first and second child. The book has the wedding night amaal, recommended actions and also key guidance and recommended actions at the time of delivery.
The book also touches on a subject many find it hard to discuss with friends and family members: sexual etiquette and recommendations in Islam. There is valuable guidance from our Holy Prophet and Imams which one may struggle to find elsewhere in the English language.
Raising children is such a pleasure and yet can be so challenging at the same time. The ample advice and hadith can be very encouraging. Of which I quote a beautiful hadith from one of the Imams, “Kiss your children a great deal because for every kiss, you will be granted a divine heavenly rank which would otherwise take 500 years to achieve.” The book has plenty more tips including akhlaqi tips and advice on how to instil love for Allah and the Ahlulbayt in our children.
Abbas Merali commonly uses a popular slogan, from a not very popular football team: “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the book holds testament to that fact – giving advice, guidance and solace on areas and challenges that will be faced by many on life’s journey.
Written by Abu Muhammed
Day Seven:
Its 11am here now and the temperature is at 40°. I have had a 5 hour sleep which should be good enough to get me going for what is my D Day today.
I come out of the tent and see people all dressed in white, some performing their wudhoo whilst some praying despite the intense heat. The Adhaan is then heard and everyone rushes to their tents to perform their prayers. Thereafter the whole place goes quiet.
The present work is an annotated translation of the thirty-first edition, published in 2014 by the Qum office of al-Sayyid al-Sistani. Shaykh Mohammed Ali Ismail deserves to be commended for successfully completing this challenging task.
Mizan al Hikmah in Arabic with English translation - Downloadable Version
