Factors Affecting Prenatal Development 43

Factors Affecting Prenatal Development

(An Analysis from the Sunnah and Contemporary Psychology)
Muhammad Tahir*
Dr. Muhammad Tahir Khalily**
ABSTRACT
Recent investigations suggest that certain factors play an important role
in the development of a child during prenatal period. This article aims to
examine the factors affecting prenatal development, significantly, before and
during pregnancy with respect to the development of a child’s personality at
later stages of life.
The Sunnah and contemporary psychology highlight a number of
factors that may have direct or indirect impact on maternal and fetus health.
The Sunnah explicitly discusses these factors from a religious and humanistic
paradigm for maternal-child health and care during pregnancy. Conversely,
contemporary psychologists examine such factors based on the investigations
conducted during pregnancy. In order to provide a comprehensive overview of
the issue, this research employs content analysis methodology to find out
commonalities and differences between the authentic traditions (Hadī ths) of
the Prophet Muhammad (S.W.A) and contemporary psychological studies and
research.
This study attempted to integrate the religious and psychological
perspectives on mother-child healthcare strategies, therefore, is considered
beneficial for humanity specifically for Muslim communities globally.
Findings of this article suggest that physical, psychological, religious, and
social factors may affect the mother and her fetus respectively from the Sunnah
domain. On the other hand, psychological studies stresses physical,
psychological, and social factors with no emphasize on religious aspects,
which are key determinant to affect mother and her fetus during pregnancy.
This endeavor also gives an extensive insight into the factors influencing the
development at prenatal period from a mother-child care perspective, and
hopefully, will serve humankind particularly Muslim parent to take care of
their child during prenatal stage.
Keywords: Factors, prenatal, development, Sunnah, contemporary
psychology.
____________________
* PhD Scholar, Faculty of Usuluddin (Islamic Studies), International Islamic University,
Islamabad, Pakistan, Visiting Scholar, Griffith University, Brisbane, Austr‘Alia
** Professor, Chairman Department of Psychology, International Islamic University,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Research Journal Al Baṣīrah (Vol: 5, Issue:2) 44

Introduction:
Marriage is a social and spiritual contract whereby a man and woman. This
article underlines the factors affecting prenatal period from the perspectives
of the Sunnah and contemporary psychology. Prenatal period begins with
conception and ends at birth i.e. until nine months of pregnancy,)1( which
sometimes lasts for six months.)2( The Sunnah, however, is considered unique
in stating a child’s developmental stages from conception to birth in the
mother’s womb as mentioned in tradition: a drop of semen, a clot, and a little
lump of flesh.) 3( Prenatal development is defined as, “all growth and
elaboration of organic structures in a fetus that takes place from the moment
of conception until birth.”) 4( The following section delineates the factors
affecting the development during prenatal stage from the Sunnah and
contemporary psychology realms.
Factors Affecting Prenatal Development from the Sunnah Perspective
Indeed, Islam sheds light on the importance of children even before
birth and stresses on their complete care.) 5( The Sunnah gives prime
importance to the prenatal child care for a healthy and secure birth and
describes a number of factors that can influence the prenatal development.
The following discussion depicts common factors affecting the prenatal stage
positively or negatively from the Sunnah perspective:
i. Prophetic Supplications for the Prenatal Child-Care
The Sunnah introduces the supplications related to the prenatal care of
children. For example, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to congratulate
a newly-married person with the supplication of Allah’s blessings and
goodness in all matters of life including children.
“Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him)
would say, when he wished to congratulate someone who got
married:

____________________
(1) Abdul Rahmā n, Al-‘Ī swī , Psychologia al-Tanshi’a al-Ejtimā ‘iyyah (Al-Iskandria:
Dā r al-Fikr al-Jā mi‘ī , 1984–85), p. 40.
(2) Mā lik bin Anas, al-Mu’aṭ ṭ ā (Abu Ẓ abī : Mu’assasat Zā yid bin Sulṭ ā n, 2004),
4/1109–1110.
(3) Bukhā rī , Muḥ ammad bin Ismā ‘ī l, Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī , (Riyā ḍ : Dā russalā m,
2007), 1/217.
(4) The Cambridge Dictionary of Psychology, ed. David Matsumoto, (Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 2009), p. 397.
(5) ‘Aṭ iyya bin Muḥ ammad, Sā lim, Sharḥ Bulū gh al-Marā m, (Riyā ḍ : Maktabah
Shā mila, n.d.), 136/ 9.
Factors Affecting Prenatal Development 45

(1)
((‫ك َو َج َم َع بَ ْي نَ ُك َما فِى َخ ْير‬ َ ‫))بَ َار َك اللَّهُ ل‬
َ ‫َك َوبَ َار َك َعلَْي‬
“May Allah bless you, and (shower) His blessings upon you, and
combine you together in good.’”
Another tradition mentions the words:
(2)
((‫))بَ َار َك اللَّهُ لَ ُك ْم َوبَ َار َك َعلَْي ُك ْم َو َج َم َع بَ ْي نَ ُك َما فِى َخ ْير‬
“May Allah bless you [both], and (shower) His blessings upon
you, and combine you together in good.”
The supplication includes all good that can be obtained through it
[marriage], whether the children or anything else. This supplication is the way
[Sunnah] of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that contains
goodness and blessing [for a marriage]. (3)
Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) commands a Muslim
husband to recite the supplication before having intimate relationships (sexual
intercourse) with his wife in order to protect themselves and the child from
Satan.
Ibn ‘Abbā s reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon
him) said: “If anyone of you, when intending to have a sexual
relation with his wife, says:
(4) َّ ‫ِّب‬
((‫الش ْيطَا َن َما َرَزقْتَ نَا‬ َّ ‫))بِ ْس ِم اللَّ ِه اللَّ ُه َّم َجن ِّْب نَا‬
ِ ‫ َو َجن‬،‫الش ْيطَا َن‬
“In the Name of Allah, O Allah! Protect us from Satan and keep
Satan away from what you will give us.”
This shows that the Prophet (peace be upon him) motivates us to recite
this blessed supplication before having intimate relationships to protect
ourselves and our children from the harms of Satan.)5( There are different
opinions [of scholars] about the harms [of Satan] including: He [Satan] will
not become dominant upon him [child] because of the recitation of
supplication, he will not harm his [child’s] body, he will not convert his

____________________
(1) Abū Dā wū d, Sulaymā n bin Ashʻ ath, Sunan Abi Dā wū d, translated by Yā sir
Qā ḍ i (Riyā ḍ : Dā russalā m, 2008(, 2/544. Hafiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [This
Hadī th is Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ ].
(2) Ibn Mā jah, Muḥ ammad bin Yazī d, Sunan Ibn Mā jah, trans by Naṣ ī ruddī n al-
Khaṭ ṭ ā b (Riyā ḍ : Dā russalā m, 2007), 3/93. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [This
Hadī th is] Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ .
(3) Abdul Mohsin al-‘Abbā d, Sharh Sunan Abi Dā wū d, (Riyā ḍ : Maktabah Shā milah,
2011), 12/95.
(4) Bukhā rī , Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī , 9/298.
(5) Hamza Muḥ ammad Qasim, Manā r al-Qā rī Sharh Mukhtaṣ ar Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-
Bukhā rī (Damascus: Maktabah Dā r al-Biyā n, 1990), 5/117.
Research Journal Al Baṣīrah (Vol: 5, Issue:2) 46

[child’s] faith to infidelity, and he will not harm by joining his [child] father
and mother during intimate relationships, )1(as well as he will not harm the
child physically and psychologically.)2(
ii. Characteristics/ Qualities of the Parent (Husband and Wife) and its
Impacts on Prenatal Development
The Sunnah strongly emphasizes the characteristics of religion and
character while looking for a man and woman for an Islamic marriage. A
tradition clearly mentions the impacts of neglecting a religious man having
best character in the form of turmoil (Fitnah) and discord (Fasā d) in the
society.) 3( Similarly, a tradition highlights the influences of neglecting a
religious woman as: “take possession of (marrying) the religious woman
(otherwise) you will be a loser” )4(and “a pious wife that helps you in your
worldly and religious affairs is better than what people have accumulated”.)5(
Therefore, the husband and wife having religious and pious personality can
provide sound foundations to a family life for the development of children.
Consequently, Muslim husband and wife can provide the best possible
foundations to a happy and joyful family life, which in turn leads towards the
care of their fetus. On the other hand, they may affect the physical and
psychological health of the fetus by neglecting their mutual responsibilities
and rights.
iii. Maternal Diet and its impact on the Fetus
During pregnancy, a woman’s physical health is an important factor
to effect the development and growth of a fetus. A pregnant woman can affect
her fetus in two ways; by eating unlawful things as well as by unbalanced diet.
The Sunnah, in general, recommends Muslims (men and women) lawful food
and prohibits unlawful food. Besides, Allah Almighty does not accept the
worship of the indiviDu‘ā ’l, who nourishes oneself with unlawful things.
Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon
him) said: . . . Allah has enjoined upon the believers that which
____________________
(1) Abdul Rahmā n bin Abī Bakr, Jalā l al-Dī n, al-Suyū ṭ ī , al-Tas’hī h Sharh al-
Jā mi‘ al-Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ (Riyā ḍ : Maktabah al-Rushd, 1998), 1/310.
(2) Humza Muḥ ammad, Manā r al-Qā rī Sharh Mukhtaṣ ar Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī ,
5/118.
(3) See Al-Tirmidhī , Muḥ ammad Ibn ʻ Ī sā , Jā miʻ Al-Tirmidhī , translated by Abu
Khalī l (Riyā ḍ : Dā russalā m, 2007), 2/455. Shaykh Albā nī said: [This Hadī th is]
Hasan. Nasiruddin, al-Albā nī , Irwā ’Al-Ghalī l (Beirut: Al-Maktab Al-Islā mī ,
1985), 6/266.
(4) Bukhā rī , Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī , 7/32–33.
(5) Al-Bayhqī , Ahmad bin Al-Husayn, Shaʻ ab Al-Ī mā n, (Riyā ḍ : Maktabah Al-Rushd,
2003), 6/247. Shaykh Albanī said: [This Hadī th is] Ṣ ahih. Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Jami‘,
(Damascus: al-Maktab al-Islamī , 2010), 2/812.
Factors Affecting Prenatal Development 47

He has enjoined upon the Messengers. He [Allah] says: O (you)

Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibā t [the lawful] and do righteous
deeds. Verily, I am Well-Acquainted with what you do,”(1) and
He [Allah] says: O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that
we have provided you with . . .(2), then he mentioned a man, who
has undertaken a lengthy journey and is disheveled and dusty,
raising his hands towards heaven and saying: O Lord, O Lord!
But his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is
unlawful, and he is nourished with what is unlawful, so how can
he receive a response?”(3)
This tradition reveals the importance of eating lawful things;
therefore, a pregnant woman should take care of her diet as it directly
influences her child’s health in the womb. Furthermore, the verse of Holy
Qur’an gives a wonderful principle of eating and drinking by stating:
“Eat and drink but waste not by extravagance.”(4)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also recommends Muslims to be
moderate in their eating and drinking without extravagance and conceit:
“Eat, drink, wear clothes and give alms without extravagance
and without conceit.”(5)
This tradition gives a general principle that is also beneficial for a
pregnant woman, as her balanced diet will offer better nutrition to her fetus.
Moreover, the Sunnah, apart from the general exemptions for women, )
6(
defers her mandatory fasting to secure the physical health of mother and her
fetus as mentioned:
“Allah has waived half of the prayer and fasting for the traveler,
and from pregnant and breastfeeding woman.”(7)

____________________
(1) Sū rah Al-Mu’minū n: 23/51.
(2) Sū rah Al-Baqarah: 2/172.
)3( Muslim, Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ Muslim, 3/59.
)4( Sū rah Al-A‘rā f: 7/31.
)5( Bukhā rī , Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī , 7/373. Also see: Ibn Mā jah, Sunan Ibn Mā jah,
4/493. Shaykh Albā nī said: [This Hadī th is] Hasan. Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ Ibn Mā jah, 2/283.
)6( For example, women are given exemption of prayer and fasting during menses period,
and similarly after the birth of baby for forty days. Author
)7( Al-Nasā ʼ ī , Sunan Al-Nasā ʼ ī , translated by Nasiruddin al-Khattab (Riyā ḍ :
Dā russalā m, 2007), 3/238. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [This Hadī th is] Hasan.
Research Journal Al Baṣīrah (Vol: 5, Issue:2) 48

This shows that He [Allah] has waived half of the prayer from the
traveler for relief, and has waived fasting from the pregnant and breastfeeding
woman because of her child.)1(
iv. Impact of Heredity on the Prenatal Stage
The Sunnah describes the impact of heredity on the physical traits such
as color, shape, and body structure of a child. For example, a tradition
illustrates the physical impact of heredity at prenatal stage by mentioning the
resemblance of a child with parent as:
Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘The man’s water is
thick and white, and the woman’s water is thin and yellow.
Whichever of them comes first, the child will resemble (that
parent).’”(2)
This refers to a man and woman’s seminal fluid, and whose fluid
discharges first or becomes dominant and more in volume, the child will get
resemblance of disposition and gender to that parent (father or mother).)3(
Similarly, a tradition explains the resemblance of a child with his/ her
paternal and maternal relatives as:
“. . . If her [woman] water prevails over that of the man, then the
child will resemble his maternal uncles, and if the man’s water
prevails over hers, then he will resemble his paternal uncles.”(4)
In addition, another tradition presents the practical example of
transferring physical characteristics from the parent to the child, whereby a
man complained about the black color of his boy, and the Prophet (peace be
upon him) said:
“May be your latest son has this color because of heredity.”(5)
v. Home Environment and its Impacts on Pregnant Woman
The Sunnah addresses the family life in such a way that promotes and
strengthens a healthy and prosperous and caring home environment for the
development of children personality. There are a number of factors that may
influence the family environment including spouses’ personality, religious
____________________
)1( Mahmoud bin Ahmad, Badr Al-Dī n, Al-‘Aynī , Nukhabat Al-Afkā r Fī Tanqī ḥ
Mabanī al-Akhbā r Fī Sharh M‘ā nī al-Ā thā r, 1st ed. (Qatar: Wazā rat al-Awqā f
Wa al-Shu’ū n al-Islamiyah, 2008), 6/379.
)2( An-Nasā ʼ ī , Sunan An-Nasā ʼ ī , 1/135. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: The chain of
this [Hadī th] is Ṣ ahih.
)3( Muḥ ammad bin ‘Ali, al-Lu’luwī , Zakhī rat al-‘uqbā Fī Sharh al-Mujtabā , 1st ed.
(Riyā ḍ : Dā r al-Mirā j al-Duwlia, 1996), 4/210.
)4( Muslim, Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ Muslim, 1/429. See also: Bukhā rī , Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī , 6/171–
72.
)5( Bukhā rī , Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī , 7/149–50.
Factors Affecting Prenatal Development 49

beliefs, character, communication ways, language style, etiquettes, mutual

respect, economic conditions, and domestic violence. The Sunnah affirms the
protection of husband and wife through their certain qualities: i.e., mutual
responsibilities and rights, religiousness, righteousness, piousness, nice
speech, Islamic etiquettes and morals, respectful and lovely behavior to deal
with all matters of family life including the fetus care. For instance, the
Prophet (peace be upon him) commands a Muslim husband as: “. . . the man is
a guardian of his family and responsible for his charges . . .,”)1( “The best of you is
the one who is best to his wife . . .,”)2( “I enjoin good treatment of women . . . And
their [women’s] rights over you are that you treat them well in clothing them and
feeding them,”)3( “Treat women nicely,”)4( and “And I command you to take care of
the women in a good manner.”)5( Similarly, the Prophet (S.W.A) commands a
Muslim wife as: “a woman is a guardian of her husband’s house and responsible
for her charges . . . ,”)6( and “Any woman who dies when her husband is pleased
with her, will enter Paradise.”)7( “The Messenger of Allah (S.W.A) never beat any of
his servants or wives and his hand never hit anything.”)8( Therefore, Muslim
husband and wife can provide the best foundations to the home environment
by controlling domestic violence and avoidance behavior, so that social
relations can remain in harmony with the harmonious concord between
husband and wife, which eventually leads towards the best care of the
fetus/child.
vi. Prohibition of Intoxicants and its relevance to the Mother-Fetus
Safety
The Sunnah prohibits the intoxicants like alcohol, opium, cocaine,
marijuana, and heroin for Muslims and considers them in unlawful things.
Therefore, a pregnant woman should not use the intoxicants as these have
harmful effects on her and her fetus. The Sunnah counts intoxicants in
unlawful things as mentioned in a tradition:
Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon
him) said: “Every intoxicant is Khamr and every intoxicant is
Ḥ arā m [unlawful].(9)
____________________
)1( Ibid, 3/420.
)2( Ibn Mā jah, Sunan Ibn Mā jah, 3/131. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [This Hadī th is]
Hasan.
)3( At-Tirmidhī , Jā miʻ Al-Tirmidhī , 2/531. Hafiz Zubair ‘Ali Za’ī said: [This Hadī th
is] Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ .
)4( Bukhā rī , Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī , 4/329.
)5( Ibid, 7/81.
)6( Ibid, 3/420.
)7( Ibn Mā jah, Sunan Ibn Mā jah, 3/64. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [This Hadī th is]
Hasan.
)8( Ibid, 3/134. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [This Hadī th is] Ṣ ahih.
)9( Muslim, Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ Muslim, 5/353.
Research Journal Al Baṣīrah (Vol: 5, Issue:2) 50

In another tradition, even small amount of intoxicants is prohibited:

Abdullah bin Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace
be upon him) said: “Every intoxicant is unlawful and whatever
causes intoxication in large amounts, a small amount of it is
(also) unlawful.”(1)
The use of khamr)2( as a remedy from a disease is prohibited in a
tradition:
Wā ’il Al-Ḥ aḍ ramī , reported that Tariq bin Suwaid A1-Ju’fī
asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about Khamr, and he
forbade him or expressed his disapproval of his making it. He
said: “I only make it as a remedy.” He said: “It is not a remedy,
but it is a disease.”(3)
This shows that intoxicants, even in small amount, have evil effects
on health, particularly in case of a pregnant woman whose fetus is totally
dependent upon her for feeding. In a tradition, Abu Dardā ’ mentions:
“My close friend (peace be upon him) advised me: ‘Do not drink
wine for it is the key to all evils.’”(4)
vii. Strategies for the Psychological Health of Mother and Fetus
Despite the instructions for a family care, the Sunnah addresses the
issues of psychological health of a pregnant woman and eventually the fetus.
For example, a tradition protects the psychological health of a pregnant
woman in case of miscarriage by mentioning the reward as:
Muʻ ā dh bin Jabal reported that the Prophet (peace be upon
him) said: “By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! The
Miscarried fetus will drag his mother by his umbilical cord to
Paradise, if she sought reward (for her loss).”(5)

____________________
)1( Ibn Mā jah, Sunan Ibn Mā jah, 4/386–87. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: The chain of
this [Hadī th] is Ṣ ahih.
)2( The Arabic word khamr (‫ )خمر‬means to veil, cover; to hide, conceal. It is also used for
wine; liquor, alcoholic beverage, and drink, intoxicant, inebriant, booze; alcohol, and
spirits. Rohi Baalbaki, al-Mawrid (Qā mū s): A Modern English Arabic Dictionary, 7th
ed. (Beirut: Dar Al-‘Ilm Lil-Malayī n, 1995), p. 523.
)3( Muslim, Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ Muslim, 5/329.
)4( Ibn Mā jah, Sunan Ibn Mā jah, 4/377. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: The chain of this
[Hadī th] is Hasan.
)5( Ibid, 2/451. Nā siruddī n Albā nī said: [This Hadī th is] Hasan. Sunan Ibn Mā jah,
(Beirut: Darul Fikr, n.d.), 1/513.
Factors Affecting Prenatal Development 51

Likewise, to remove the fear of death during pregnancy, the Sunnah

dignifies a woman’s death among martyr as mentioned in a tradition: “and the
woman who dies in pregnancy is a martyr.”)1(
The Sunnah also protects the psychological health of a woman in case of her
child’s death by explaining its reward as:
Abu Sa‘ī d reported: The women requested the Prophet (peace
be upon him), “Please fix a day for us (to preach). “So the
Prophet (S.W.A) preached them and said, “A woman whose three
children died would be screened from the (Hell) Fire by them,
“Hearing that, a woman asked, and “If two died?” The Prophet
(S.W.A) replied, “Even two would screen her from the (Hell)
Fire.”(2)

viii. Divorce and its impacts on Prenatal Stage

Divorce not only breaches the family bond but also disturbs the
children upbringing and rearing practices. Although, the Sunnah allows
divorce during pregnancy, however, the eminent religious scholars dislike
divorce of a pregnant woman in order to provide secure and safe birth.
Generally speaking, the Sunnah highly stresses the issue of divorce for the
safety of marriage bond between husband and wife. For example, the Prophet
(peace be upon him) highlights the severity of doing divorce as:
Abdullah bin Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (S.W.A)
said: “The most hated of permissible things to Allah is
divorce.”(3)
Similarly, the Sunnah does not allow divorcing woman even in a
joke.
Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (S.AW) said:
“Three things, when done in earnest are counted as earnest, and
when done in jest, are also counted as earnest: Marriage,
divorce, and taking (a divorcee) back.”(4)
Furthermore, the Sunnah does not allow a woman to demand divorce,
when it is not absolutely needed.

____________________
)1( An-Nasā ʼ i, Sunan An-Nasā ʼ i, 3/31–32. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: The chain of
this [Hadī th] is Ṣ ahih.
)2( Bukhā rī , Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī , 2/202.
)3( Ibn Mā jah, Sunan Ibn Mā jah, 3/154. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [This Hadī th is]
Ṣ ahih.
)4( Abū Dā wū d, Suanan Abi Dā wū d, 3/29. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [Hadī th is]
Hasan.
Research Journal Al Baṣīrah (Vol: 5, Issue:2) 52

Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet (S.W.A) said: “No woman
asks for divorce when it is not absolutely necessary, hut she will
never smell the fragrance of paradise, although its fragrance can
be detected from a distance of forty years travel.”(1)
Moreover, the Prophet (S.W.A) does not recognize the indiviDu‘ā ’l
among his Ummah [not a true follower of Islam], who causes
misunderstanding between husband and wife that leads to a divorce.
Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be
upon him) said: “He who ruins a woman for her husband, or a
slave for his master, is not of us.”(2)
ix. The Supplication (Du‘ā ’) Therapy for a Pregnant Woman
The Arabic word ‘Du‘ā ’ is translated as prayer, supplication and
invocation.)3( Islamic supplications connect humankind to Allah Almighty to
seek His divine help in all matters of life. The Sunnah recommends Muslims
(male and female) reciting the supplications for the safety and protection from
all mental and physical sicknesses. During pregnancy, a woman undergoes
psychological and physical changes, which may lead her to suffer from
different negative thoughts, emotional swings, and physical problems.
Through supplications by creating a strong bond and firm belief in Allah
Almighty, a pregnant woman can secure herself from all psychological
disturbances and physical problems, which may influence the fetus health in
the womb. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite the supplications
during day and night time particularly after Fajr and Maghreb prayers.)4(
Some specific supplications to deal with the distress situations in general and
during pregnancy in particular are mentioned below:
ِ ‫ش ال َْع ِظ‬
ُ‫ الَ إِلَهَ إِالَّ اللَّه‬،‫يم‬ ِ ‫ الَ إِلَهَ إِالَّ اللَّهُ َرب ال َْع ْر‬،‫يم‬ِ ‫(( الَ إِلَه إِالَّ اللَّه الْع ِظيم ال‬
ُ ‫ْحل‬َ ُ َ ُ َ
)5( ِ ِ ِ
ِ ‫الس َم َوات َوَرب ال َْع ْر‬
))‫ش الْ َكريم‬ َّ ‫َرب‬
“None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Majestic, the
Most Forbearing. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah,
the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of the
Tremendous Throne.”
____________________
)1( Ibn Mā jah, Sunan Ibn Mā jah, 3/175. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [Hadī th is]
Hasan.
)2( Abū Dā wū d, Suanan Abi Dā wū d, 3/19. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [Hadī th is]
Hasan.
)3( Rū hī Ba‘lbakkī . al-Mawrid (Qā mū s), p. 543.
)4( These supplications can be recited and memorized from the book Hiṣ n Al-Muslim
compiled and referenced by Sa‘ī d Ibn ‘Ali al-Qaḥ ṭ ā ni and published by Dā r al-
Ishā ‘at Karachi Pakistan. This book can also be obtained through play store in android
mobile phone. Author
)5( Bukhā rī , Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī , 8/199.
Factors Affecting Prenatal Development 53

‫َصلِ ْح لِى َشأْنِى ُكلَّهُ الَ إِل ََه‬ ِ ِ

ْ ‫ك أ َْر ُجو فَالَ تَكلْنِى إِلَى نَ ْفسى طَْرفَةَ َع ْين َوأ‬
َ َ‫(( اللَّ ُه َّم َر ْح َمت‬
)1()) ‫إِالَّ أَنت‬
َْ
“O Allah, for Your mercy I hope, so do not abandon me to myself
for an instant. Set all my affairs straight, there is none worthy of
worship but You.”
Asmā ʼ bint ‘Umays reported that the Messenger of Allah
(peace be upon him) said to her: “Should I not teach you phrases
that you may say at times of distress or during distress?
)2()) ‫(( اللَّهُ اللَّهُ َربِّى الَ أُ ْش ِر ُك بِ ِه َش ْيئًا‬
“Allah, Allah! He is my Lord; I do not associate any partners
with Him.”

Factors Affecting Prenatal Development from a Contemporary

Psychology Perspective
This section provides an overview of theoretical and empirical
psychological studies and research addressing the factors affecting prenatal
development. Contemporary Psychologists have listed a number of factors
influencing the physical and psychological development at the prenatal period
that may serve to influence the developing child during the prenatal period.
The following section highlights the interplay of these factors within the
framework of theoretical and empirical research of psychology.
i. Impacts of Maternal Nutrition and Diet on Fetus
A developing fetus receives nutrition from the mother’s blood and is
fully dependent on it.)3( Maternal diet affects the developing fetus.)4( Many
studies indicate that adequate maternal food consumption has a significant
impact on the health of newborn babies.)5( For unborn children, the mother is
the sole and vital source of balanced nutrition consisting of proteins, fats,
____________________
)1( Abū Dā wū d, Suanan Abi Dā wū d, 5/406. Shaykh Nā siruddī n Albā nī said: The
Chain is Hasan.
)2( Ibid, 2/219. Hā fiz Zubayr ‘Alī Zay said: [This Hadī th is] Hasan.
)3( Matthews, F., Youngman L., and Neil A., “Maternal Circulating Nutrient
Concentrations in Pregnancy: Implications for Birth and Placental Weights of Term
Infants,” in Children, John W. Santrock, 8th ed. (Boston: McGraw Hill, 2005), p. 129;
Schaffer, Introducing Child Psychology, p. 58.
)4( Michael E. Lamb, Marc H. Bornstein and Douglas M. Teti, Development in Infancy:
An Introduction, 4th ed. (New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, 2002),
p. 105.
)5( Laura E. Berk, Development Through the Lifespan, 16th ed. (Boston: Pearson, 2014),
p. 92.
Research Journal Al Baṣīrah (Vol: 5, Issue:2) 54

carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins for the developing fetus.) 1( For a

healthy woman, a well-balanced diet is needed, given that physical and neural
growth and development of the fetus is maintained through the mother’s food
consumption.)2( Conversely, a malnourished mother will generally give birth
to a malnourished baby given that the developing fetus receives nutrients from
the mother through the placenta.)3( However, poor maternal nutrition is a risk
factor for the fetus.)4( For instance, sub-healthy levels of nutrition appear to
effect the development of the nervous system, whereas malnutrition is
understood to influence vulnerability in fetal development,)5( particularly in
the central nervous system, and subsequent intellectual performance in
children.) 6( Prenatal malnutrition influenced by inadequate maternal diet
during pregnancy can cause serious damage to the developing fetus’ organs
including the brain,) 7( pancreas, liver, and blood vessels, which result in
lifelong health problems.)8( Therefore, maternal malnutrition in pregnancy is
perilous to the development and nourishment of fetus.)9(
ii. Impacts of Mother’s Emotional State on the Fetus
The mother’s emotional state is a significant factor that impacts upon
the prenatal stage of development.)10( The mother and fetus have no neural
connections between each other; therefore, maternal psychological
functioning may be translated into physiological effects that impact the
developing fetus.)11( Usually, the expectant [pregnant] mother experiences
variation in her emotional conditions,) 12( which may include positive
association with producing a child, optimism and hope about becoming a
____________________
)1( Robert V. Kail and Rita Wicks-Nelson, Developmental Psychology, 5th ed. (New
Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1990), p. 53.
)2( Danuta Bukatko, and Marvin W. Daehler, Child Development: A Thematic Approach,
5th ed. (Boston MA: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004), p. 142.
)3( Jeffrey Trawick-Smith, Early Childhood Development: A Multicultural Perspective,
5th ed. (New Jersey: Pearson, 2010), p. 75.
)4( Peter K. Smith, Helen Cowie and Mark Blades, Understanding Children’s
Development, 4th ed (Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 1988), p. 69.
)5( Helen Bee, The Developing Child, 8th ed. (New york: Longman Inc., 1997), pp. 56–58,
63.
)6( Morgan P. J., et al., “Prenatal Malnutrition and Development of the Brain,”
Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews 1, (1993): pp. 91–128.
)7( Berk, Development Through the Lifespan, p. 92.
)8( Barker D. J., “Human Growth and Cardiovascular Disease,” Nestlé Nutrition Workshop
Series 61 (2008): pp. 21–38.
)9( Lamb, et al., Development in Infancy, p. 105.
)10( Bee, The Developing Child, pp. 53, 62.
)11( Encyclopedia of Infant and Early Childhood Development, ed. Marshall M. Haith and
Janette B. Benson, (London: Academic Press, 2008), 2/604–614.
)12( Beeber, L., “The Pinks and the Blues: Symptoms of Chronic Depression in Mothers
during their Children’s First Year,” in Children, Santrock, p. 114.
Factors Affecting Prenatal Development 55

parent, as well as negative mood swings which may result in crying and/ or
depression.)1( A range of studies have shown that a mother’s emotional state
may affect the level of birth complications and low birth weight. Prenatal
problems including poor environmental factors seem to produce long-term
negative effects in children.) 2( The emotional state of the mother during
pregnancy can influence the fetus and birth. Such states may range from
positive emotional experiences to general anxiety and/ or low mood to intense
fear and prolonged depression.)3( During early pregnancy, maternal stress may
increase the level of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) )4( that is
associated with premature delivery.)5(
iii. Impacts of Maternal Stress on the Embryo and Fetus
Serious prolonged stress in comparison to mild stress may increase the
risk of serious complications during pregnancy.) 6( Recent studies have
examined the effects of induced maternal stress, emotions, and hormonal
changes on fetal functioning.)7( Prenatal maternal stress is associated with
cognitive, behavioral, physical, and emotional problems in children.)8( Studies
have shown that prenatal stress affects physical and functional development
in infants and is associated with more difficult child behavior during the first
10 years of childhood.)9( Maternal stress affects the health of the embryo or
fetus negatively and alters the fetal and infant developmental trajectory by
disturbing hormones (cortisol, gonadotropins, estrogen and progesterone),
nutrient, bold flow and oxygen availability to the embryo or fetus.)10( Bergh
highlighted that several behavioral problems including ADHD)11( in children
____________________
)1( Santrock, Children, p. 114.
)2( Bee, The Developing Child, pp. 53, 62.
)3( Santrock, Children, p. 130.
)4( Hobel C. J., Dunkel-Schetter, C., Roesch, S. C., Castro, L. C., and Arora, C. P.,
“Maternal Plasma Corticotrophin-Releasing Hormone Associated with Stress at 20
Weeks’ Gestation in Pregnancies Ending in Preterm Delivery,” in Children, Santrock,
p. 130.
)5( Santrock, Children, p. 130.
)6( Kail and Wicks-Nelson, Developmental Psychology, p. 54.
)7( Di Pietro J. A., et al., “Fetal response to induced maternal stress,” Early Human
Development 11, (2003): pp. 41–45.
)8( King, S., et al., “Prenatal maternal stress from a natural disaster predicts dermatoglyphic
asymmetry in humans,” Developmental Psychology 21, (2009): pp. 343–353.
)9( Mulder E. J. H., et al., “Prenatal maternal stress: effects on pregnancy and the )unborn(
child,” Early Human Development 70, (2002): pp. 3–14.
)10( Kathleen, “Environmental Influences on Prenatal Development and Health,” in Life–
span Perspectives on Health and Illness, ed. Thomas L. Whitman, Thomas V. Merluzzi
and Robert D. White., (London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc., 1999), pp. 94–96.
)11( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disability in which children
consistently show one or more of these characteristics over a period of time including
inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Santrock, Children, p. 299.
Research Journal Al Baṣīrah (Vol: 5, Issue:2) 56

were linked to prenatal anxiety, stress, and depression of mothers.)1( Women

who experience severe stress and anxiety during pregnancy are more likely to
give birth to infants with abnormalities.)2( Emotional stress is also associated
with spontaneous abortion, difficult labour, premature birth, and newborn
respiratory complications as well as a range of physical defects.)3( Lipton
suggests that parents must remain conscious to the fact that their thoughts,
attitudes and behaviors will profoundly influence their child’s development
and health from conceiving through prenatal and postnatal development.)4(
However, psychological research has examined no demonstrated link
between minor maternal everyday stress levels and the fetus health or infant
outcomes.)5(
iv. Impacts of Mother’s Voice and other Sounds on the Fetus
A mother’s voice stimulates the sensory experience of the fetus. This
voice exposure during the fetal stage and early infancy plays an important role
for language development in children. Further, the emotional aspect of speech
is significant for emotional development before and after birth.)6( In one study
researchers examined the effects of sound on the foetus [fetus] heart rate and
rhythms of kicking and found a positive correlation with auditory stimulation;
the findings confirm that the foetus [fetus] is cognitively sophisticated prior
to birth.)7( Experimental investigations have confirmed the prenatal learning
of voices for the fetus inside the uterus of the mother. The studies highlight
the new born child’s preference for the mother’s voice after birth, due to
prenatal learning. Some studies have examined the impacts of maternal
heartbeat as well as music during pregnancy and found a positive correlation
to the learning of language after birth.)8(
v. Prenatal Behavior after Birth
____________________
)1( Bergh B., et al., “Antenatal Maternal Anxiety and Stress and the Neurobehavioural
Development of the Fetus and Child: Links and possible mechanisms. A Review,”
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 29, (2005): pp. 237–258.
)2( Michele Hoffnung, Robert J Hoffnung, Kelvin L Seifert, Rosanne Burton Smith,
‘Alison Hine, Lynn Ward, and Cat Pause, Lifespan Development, 2nd ed. (Queensland:
John Wiley and Sons, 2013), p. 90.
)3( Hoffnung M., et al., Lifespan Development, p. 90.
)4( Bruce H. Lipton, “Maternal Emotions and Human Development”, accessed May 4,
2015 from https://birthpsychology.com/free–article/maternal–emotions–and–human–
development
)5( Hughes, Noppe, and Noppe, Child Psychology, p. 71.
)6( Baltes E., “Modularity, domain specificity and the development of language,”
Discussion in Neuroscience 10, (1994): pp. 136–149.
)7( Peterson, Looking Forward Through the Lifespan: Developmental Psychology, p. 90.
)8( Peter Hepper, “Prenatal Psychological and Behavioural Development,” in Handbook of
Developmental Psychology, Jaan Valsiner and Kevin J. Connolly (London: SAGE
Publications, 2003), pp. 92–113.
Factors Affecting Prenatal Development 57

Studies have shown that prenatal behaviors and abilities have an

immediate and long-term influence after birth. The direct influences of
prenatal behavior of the fetus include maternal recognition, attachment and
breast-feeding behavior. The long-term influences include the development
of the nervous and visual systems, as well as behavioral and psychological
functioning. During the prenatal stage, genetic influences play an important
role in the foundation of the subsequent development of behavior.)1( The
Following model shows the interaction of information from both the genotype
and environment in determining behavior.

Genotype

Process of
Behaviour
Development

Environment

Model of the information from the genotype and environment to determine behavior )2(
vi. Impacts of Teratogens during the Prenatal Period
Teratology is defined as, “the study of birth defects and behavioral
problems that arise from environmental influences during the prenatal
period.” Tetragons are environmental agents that cause disruption to fetal
development.)3( Such agents are also referred to as developmental toxins and
include ethanol, tobacco, rubella, external pressure, radiation, and maternal
stress.)4( A range of studies has confirmed the harmful effects of drug taking
at the prenatal stage and after birth. For example, in the case of smoking
during pregnancy, nicotine contracts the blood vessels and reduces the blood
flow to the placenta; resulting in a decrease in the healthy nutrition of the
fetus.)5( Further, children of smoking mothers have higher rates of behavioral
problems.)6( A mother’s moderate drinking of alcohol, cigarette smoking, a
____________________
)1( Peter Hepper, “Prenatal Psychological and Behavioural Development,” pp. 92–113.
)2( This model is drawn from Peter K. Smith, et el., Understanding Children’s
Development, p. 34.
)3( Danuta Bukatko, and Marvin W. Daehler, Child Development, p. 126.
)4( Kathleen J. Sipes Kolberg, “Environmental Influences on Prenatal Development and
Health,” p. 94.
)5( Bee, The Developing Child, p. 53.
)6( Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., and Lynskey, M. T., “Maternal smoking before and
after pregnancy: Effects on behavioral outcomes in middle childhood,” Pediatrics 92,
(1993): pp. 815–822.
Research Journal Al Baṣīrah (Vol: 5, Issue:2) 58

partner’s smoking, cocaine, marijuana, and heroin use, are not recommended
during pregnancy because they can have deleterious effects on the fetus and
prenatal development.)1( Drugs such as heroin, cocaine, alcohol and tobacco
affect the fetus and unborn children are at greater risk of a variety of problems
and disorders across the lifespan.)2( Recent evidence has shown that children
of moderate or social drinkers have lower IQ (below 85) and a poorer attention
span. Bee recommends cessation of drinking during pregnancy.)3(
vii. Impacts of Family and Social Environment
For healthy prenatal development a stable social environment is
significant. Domestic violence is a serious hazard for pregnant women and
their babies. The pregnant woman’s environment can be seriously impacted
by high-risk family stress and violence as well as the physical condition of
pregnancy. Prenatal care is strongly influenced by life circumstances, ethnic
conditions, and socioeconomic status of women.)4( Significant sociocultural
dimensions that affect prenatal care include; ethnicity, decision making
patterns, religious preference, language, communication style, and common
etiquettes.)5(
viii. Genetic Errors during Conception
Genetic errors occur at the moment of conception that cannot be
altered. Such errors lead to conditions such as; Downs syndrome)6( in which
children have distinctive facial features and are typically retarded; Sex-
chromosome anomalies)7( in which children show unusual physical features
and some cognitive deficits; Fragile-X syndrome)8( where children experience
adverse intellectual or behavioral consequences); Single-Gene defects) 9(
where the child inherits a gene for a specific disease).)10( Recessive gene
disorders can occur due to a pair of recessive genes from each parent that the
____________________
)1( Santrock, Children, pp. 124–126.
)2( Hoffnung M., et al., Lifespan Development, pp. 85–86.
)3( Bee, The Developing Child, p. 54.
)4( Hoffnung M., et al., Lifespan Development, p. 89.
)5( Santrock, Children, p. 120.
)6( A child has three copies of chromosome due to the failure of proper meiosis. Santrock,
Children, p. 120.
)7( Klinefelter’s syndrome is due to XXY pattern of chromosome that causes boys
underdeveloped testes and learning and language disabilities, whereas Turner’s
syndrome is due to XO or XXX pattern that causes girls sterile. Bee, The Developing
Child, pp. 47–49.
)8( It occurs due to an abnormal section of DNA at a specific location on the X–
chromosome ordinarily from a carrier mother. Bee, The developing child, p. 49.
)9( Mental retardation is caused by 141 diseases or disorders with known genetic loci and
361 more whose loci have not yet been identified. Wahlstrom, J., “Gene map of mental
retardation,” Journal of Mental Deficiency Research 34, (1990): pp. 11–27.
)10( Bee, The Developing Child, pp. 47–49.
Factors Affecting Prenatal Development 59

fetus inherits, whereas multifactorial disorders occur due to genetic and

environmental factors.)1(
Conclusion
This article outlines the key factors associated with the prenatal period
and the early development of the fetus. The findings from the Sunnah of the
Prophet (S.W.A) and western psychological research and studies highlight the
impacts of various factors on the prenatal development of children;
specifically maternal nutrition, the mother’s emotional state, impact of
heredity, the sound of the mother’s voice in womb, the family environment
including domestic stability, and the potential harms of intoxicants
(teratogens). Moreover, the Sunnah highlights the impact of mother’s
religious nature, the personality of parent, the mutual responsibilities of
husband and wife, issues of divorce, mother’s lawful [Ḥ alā l] food. This
shows that the Sunnah is distinctive in illuminating these aspects from a
religious and humanistic paradigm. By contrast, contemporary psychological
research gives explanation to the effects of genetic errors on maternal and
fetal wellbeing. However, the Sunnah promotes treatment of any kind of
diseases as clearly mentioned in a tradition, whereby the Prophet (peace be
upon him) said, “There is no disease that Allah has sent down except that He
also has sent down its treatment.”)2( This tradition highlights that the Sunnah
approves the use of medicines [based on lawful ingredients] for the treatment
of diseases, having the intention of cure [Shifā ’] from Allah Almighty as the
Holy Qur’an states about the Prophet Ibrā hī m )peace be upon him(: “And
when I am ill, it is He [Allah] who cures me.”)3( To summarize, the article
predominantly has provided a summary of key findings drawn from the
Sunnah and contemporary psychological research and studies to develop an
understanding of factors affecting prenatal development of the child in
mother’s womb particularly for the welfare of Muslim communities.



____________________
)1( Hoffnung M., et al., Lifespan Development, p. 71.
)2( Bukhā rī , Ṣ aḥ ī ḥ al-Bukhā rī , 7/326.
)3( Sū rah Ash-Shu’rā : 26/80.