The arrival of a newborn is one of the most joyful moments in life, a time filled with excitement, love, and gratitude. In Islam, the birth of a child is considered a divine blessing and a trust from Allah, and with this blessing comes beautiful traditions and Sunnah practices that help welcome the baby into the world in the best way.
The birth of a child is a wonderful blessing and a moment of joy and gratitude for every family. In Islam, there are beautiful Sunnah practices that help welcome the newborn with love, blessings, and prayers.
These traditions are not just rituals but meaningful acts that strengthen the bond between parents, the child, and Allah.
From the moment a baby is born, Islam provides guidance on how to nurture, protect, and bless the child. These Sunnah practices are not just rituals; they carry deep spiritual and practical wisdom, ensuring that the newborn begins life with love, faith, and the remembrance of Allah.
Have you ever wondered why we recite the Adhan (call to prayer) in a newborn’s ear? Or why Tahneek (placing something sweet in the baby’s mouth) is practiced? These time-honored traditions go beyond cultural customs, they are rooted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), bringing both spiritual and physical benefits to the child.
By Allah's mercy, we will explain the beautiful Sunnah practices for newborns, their significance, and how they continue to bring blessings, protection, and love into the lives of both the child and the family.
1. Calling Adhan In The ear Of Newborn:
When a child is born, firstly the Adhaan should be said in his/her ear. Adhaan should be recited in the right ear, and the left hear Iqama. It symbolizes the child's introduction to Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) and serves as a reminder that the first words a Muslim hears in this world should be the call to worship the Almighty. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has done the same. Narrated by Abu Raafi who said:
رَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ ﷺ أَذَّنَ فِي أُذُنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ حِينَ وَلَدَتْهُ فَاطِمَةُ
"I saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) call the Adhaan in the ear of Al Hassan ibn Ali when his mother Fatimah gave birth to him." (Tirmidhi)
By reciting the Adhaan in the right ear and the Iqamah in the left, parents are instilling faith in their child from the very beginning. This act also signifies protection from evil influences and serves as a blessed start to the child's journey in Islam.
2. Tahneek:
Tahneek is a beautiful Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, where a softened date is rubbed on the newborn’s palate shortly after birth. If a date is not available, honey can be used. This act not only has spiritual significance but also holds potential health benefits, as dates provide natural sugars that may help stabilize the baby’s blood sugar levels after birth. Aisha (RA) reported:
كَانَ يُؤْتَى بِالصِّبْيَانِ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ فَيُبَرِّكُ عَلَيْهِمْ وَيُمْضِغُ التَّمْرَةَ وَيَجْعَلُهَا فِي أَفْوَاهِهِمْ
"Newborn children used to be brought to the Messenger of Allah, and he would supplicate for blessings for them, and rub a chewed date upon their palate." (Muslim)
This Sunnah highlights the care and love shown by the Prophet ﷺ for newborns, ensuring that the first thing entering their mouth is something pure and blessed. It is also a reminder for parents to begin their child’s life with acts of faith and reliance on Allah.
3. Naming The Newborn Child:
In Islam, selecting a meaningful and honorable name for a child is of great significance. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) always emphasized choosing names with beautiful meanings, as names hold deep spiritual and personal influence. Allah Almighty mentions in the Qur'an:
ادْعُوهُمْ لِآبَائِهِمْ هُوَ أَقْسَطُ عِندَ اللَّهِ
"Call them by the names of their fathers; it is more just in the sight of Allah." (Qur'an 33:5)
Parents are encouraged to choose names that reflect good character, faith, and devotion. Naming children after the noble companions of the Prophet ﷺ is also a great way to instill love for the righteous and inspire them to follow their legacy.
4. Aqeeqoh:
Aqeeqah is a beautiful Sunnah and a form of Sadaqah that protects a newborn from harm. It is performed on the seventh day after birth as an act of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a child. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
كُلُّ غُلاَمٍ مُرْتَهَنٌ بِعَقِيقَتِهِ، تُذْبَحُ عَنْهُ يَوْمَ سَابِعِهِ، وَيُحْلَقُ، وَيُسَمَّى
"Every child is in pledge for its Aqeeqah, which is sacrificed for it on its seventh day, and it is named, and its head is shaved." (Abu Dawood)
For a baby boy, two sheep are sacrificed, while for a baby girl, one sheep is offered. This act not only expresses gratitude but also strengthens community ties as the meat is distributed among family, friends, and the needy. It is a means of seeking Allah’s protection and blessings for the child, ensuring a righteous start in life.
5. Shaving The Newborn Head:
Shaving a newborn’s head on the seventh day is a recommended Sunnah that accompanies Aqeeqah. This practice symbolizes purification and gratitude to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed his daughter Fatimah (RA) when Hassan (RA) was born:
احْلِقْ رَأْسَهُ، وَتَصَدَّقْ بِوَزْنِ شَعْرِهِ فِضَّةً عَلَى الْمَسَاكِينِ
"Shave his head and give the weight of his hair in silver to the poor." (Ahmad)
This act removes any impurities the baby may have been born with, it also an act of charity, as the equivalent weight of the hair in silver is given to those in need. It fosters humility and gratitude by reminding parents of their duty to nurture their child in accordance with Islamic teachings.
6. Circumcision:
Circumcision is more than just a cultural practice, it holds religious, spiritual, and health benefits. In Islam, it is considered an act of cleanliness and purification, aligning with the principles of personal hygiene that our faith strongly emphasizes. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged circumcision as a practice that enhances both physical and spiritual well-being.
In conclusion, these were some Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) related to the newborn that every Muslim parent should perform. Observance of these Sunnahs guarantee the health, as well as the proper upbringing of the child. May Allah Azawajal give guidance to every parents to perform these actions and also to do justice to their children! Ameen.