We know that Amaliah is like a Big Sis and sometimes our DMs have been filled with requests for advice on a range of life issues including relationships, friendships or work troubles.

We have started a new segment where we field dilemmas from the community and answer them as frankly as we can with love, truth and honesty.

Need some advice on a dilemma? Send them all here!

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Dear Aunt Maya,

Do women who give birth via a C-section get less rewards? Why is it that some have easy deliveries while others suffer so much?

Maya Areem responds

Salaam alaykum,

Thank you so much for getting in touch with your question and for trusting me to answer it.

C-sections are an important medical intervention designed to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child. In Islam, seeking medical help when necessary is not only acceptable but also recommended. We are encouraged to use the resources and advancements available to us for the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones.

When it comes to the rewards associated with childbirth, they are bestowed upon us by Allah. Regardless of the method of delivery, whether it’s through a C-section or a vaginal birth, the intentions, sincerity, and efforts put forth by the mother during childbirth are highly valued and rewarded by Allah.

Childbirth experiences vary from person to person and each journey is special in its own way. Trust in Allah’s plan for you, and remember even Maryam (as)’s labour became so painful that she exclaimed that she wished she had died and had been long forgotten. 

Then the pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She cried, “Alas! I wish I had died before this, and was a thing long forgotten!” [19:23]

Speak to your doctor or midwife about steps you can take to have a healthy pregnancy and a smooth delivery. Read up on it, speak with others about their experience and prepare a plan for the delivery and recovery period to help reduce anxiety around it.

Read these duas for pregnancy and childbirth and seek comfort in the remembrance of Allah, and remember that He has granted mothers an elevated position for the hardships they go through. None of our efforts go unnoticed by Him

The Prophet said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” [Sahih Bukhari] 

May Allah grant you an extraordinary journey to motherhood filled with strength and excitement. 

Love + duas, 

Aunt Maya

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If you would like some wisdom from Aunt Maya, send in your problems here! Please note Aunt Maya may consult the opinion of others from time to time and ask the Amaliah community for their advice too. Aunt Maya is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional.