The statements you’ve encountered are rooted in cultural beliefs and interpretations rather than Islamic teachings or scientific evidence. Here’s a breakdown of the issues:
1. Cultural Beliefs: In many cultures, including in parts of Pakistan, there are traditional beliefs about the gender of a child and its impact on various aspects of life, such as financial prosperity. These beliefs can often create unnecessary stress and confusion, especially if they are not based on sound religious or scientific principles.
2. Islamic Perspective: Islam teaches that all matters of fate, including the gender of a child, are in the hands of Allah (SWT). The Qur’an and Hadith emphasize that the gender of a child is determined by Allah and that there is no specific connection between the gender of a child and the financial situation of a family. There are no Hadiths or Qur’anic verses that support the notion that a baby’s gender influences the family’s financial well-being.
3. Istikhara: Istikhara is a prayer for seeking guidance from Allah when making decisions. It is meant to seek Allah’s guidance on the best course of action in uncertain situations. It is not used to predict specific outcomes like the gender of a child or financial situations. Using Istikhara to make such predictions is a misinterpretation of its purpose.
4. Impact on Mental Health: Statements that suggest specific outcomes based on cultural beliefs can be harmful, especially if they cause unnecessary worry or feelings of inadequacy. It’s important to address such statements calmly and ensure that both you and your wife are aware of the true Islamic teachings, which emphasize patience and trust in Allah’s wisdom.
5. Scientific Understanding: From a scientific standpoint, the gender of a baby is determined by the chromosomes carried by the sperm that fertilizes the egg. There is no evidence linking the gender of the baby to financial status or the occurrence of miscarriages based on gender.
It might be helpful to gently remind those who make such statements that their beliefs are cultural rather than religious and that they should refrain from making unfounded claims about personal matters. Supporting your wife with reassurance and focusing on practical and emotional support can also help mitigate the impact of such statements.