In Islam, the womb is not merely biological — it is spiritual ground. The Arabic word rahim (رحم) shares its root with rahmah (mercy), one of Allah’s names. The Prophet ﷺ taught that ties of kinship are called arham, wombs, because every relationship in your family ultimately begins in one. To be a pregnant Muslim mother is to be entrusted, for a brief season, with a portion of Divine mercy.
This guide gathers the gentle, practical spiritual practices that Muslim mothers have returned to for fourteen centuries. None of it is obligatory. All of it is beautiful.
Surahs many mothers choose to recite regularly
Surah Maryam
Surah 19 narrates the births of Yahya and Isa عليهما السلام, and the dignity and trial of Maryam عليها السلام. Many mothers recite it through the second and third trimesters for its rhythm of patience, dua, and divine response.
Surah Yusuf
Surah 12 is widely recited during pregnancy in the hope that the child will grow to possess beauty of character (husn) and sabr through trials. Narrated in the Qur’an as the “most beautiful of stories” (12:3).
Surah al-Mulk & Surah al-Waqi‘ah
Both are recommended by the Prophet ﷺ in various hadiths for spiritual protection and provision. Many families integrate them into their evening routine during pregnancy.
The last ten ayat of Surah al-Kahf
Read every Friday. The Prophet ﷺ said whoever memorises the first ten or last ten verses of Surah al-Kahf will be protected from the fitnah of Dajjal. A beautiful weekly practice.
Recommended adhkar
Morning & evening adhkar
The comprehensive morning and evening adhkar from Hisn al-Muslim include:
- Ayat al-Kursi (Quran 2:255)
- The three quls — Surahs al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, an-Nas — three times each
- “Bismillahi-l-ladhi la yadurru...” three times (see our duas article)
- Subhanallahi wa bihamdih — one hundred times during the day
After every salah
- Astaghfirullah (I seek the forgiveness of Allah) x 3
- Allahumma anta s-salamu wa minka s-salam
- The dua: Allahumma a‘inni ‘ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni ‘ibadatik (O Allah, help me to remember You, thank You, and worship You well.) — Abu Dawud 1522, sahih.
Prophetic advice for mothers-to-be
Eat well and gratefully
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged eating with bismillah, eating good things, avoiding excess, and giving thanks. He spoke of dates, honey, milk, and olive oil specifically. A simple practice: begin every meal with bismillah, take one small conscious bite in gratitude, then eat normally.
Speak gentle words to the unborn
Scholars report that babies begin to recognise voices in the second trimester. Many Muslim mothers recite Quran out loud, speak kind words, and make dua over the bump daily. Whether or not the science catches up with the barakah, the practice costs nothing and is documented to calm both mother and baby.
Protect your state
The Prophet ﷺ often advised “limit what enters the heart through the ears and eyes.” In a modern pregnancy, this means curating your social media feed, stepping back from anxiety-triggering news, and surrounding yourself with reminders of Allah.
Gratitude as protection
The Qur’an: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you.” (14:7). Many mothers keep a small gratitude note each day during pregnancy — three things, written or said. It is a Qur’anic prescription with modern evidence for reducing antenatal anxiety.
When fear rises
Every pregnancy carries moments of sudden fear — a missed movement, a strange symptom, a scan appointment. The Prophet ﷺ taught us:
حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الوَكِيلُ
Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal-wakeel. “Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.” Repeat. Breathe. Call the doctor. Do both.
Preparing for delivery, spiritually
- Learn the short dua Rabbish rah li sadri, wa yassir li amri and repeat it through contractions.
- Make sincere tawbah — pregnancy is an ideal time for a fresh start.
- Ask those who love you to make dua for you on the day.
- Play your favourite Quran reciter during early labour if you find it calming.
An important reminder
Nothing in this article replaces medical advice. If something feels wrong physically, call your doctor or 999. The Prophet ﷺ said “tie your camel and trust in Allah.” Islam asks us to use every available means of care, alongside our dua.
Related guides
Inside Sakina, the Today screen brings together your week-by-week content, a daily dua with audio, and — for Premium users — your five daily prayer times. Download Sakina.