Practical Guidelines and Traditions for Newborns
Newborns are associated with a set of legal rulings and prophetic traditions. Below is a summary of some of these important aspects:
- It is recommended to pray to Allah for children and offspring. Families should strive for the righteousness and well-being of their future child even before conception, which can be achieved by choosing a suitable spouse based on their faith and character.
- Expressing joy upon the birth of the child and accepting their gender, as the distinction between male and female should not be viewed through the lens of pre-Islamic customs.
- Offering gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a newborn, since many individuals are deprived of this magnificent gift.
- Congratulating fellow Muslims on the birth of their child.
- Ensuring the cleanliness of the newborn and attending to their hygiene needs.
- Performing the call to prayer in the right ear of the newborn immediately after their birth.
- Reciting protective incantations and offering blessings to shield the newborn from harmful influences.
- Administering a taste of mashed dates to the newborn (tahnik).
- Prioritizing breastfeeding throughout the first two years of the child’s life, as it is essential for development.
- Making an effort to perform the ritual of ‘aqiqah for the newborn, as it is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Shaving the newborn’s head and giving in charity the equivalent weight in silver.
- Combining the naming of the newborn, their circumcision, and shaving their head on one day, which is traditionally the seventh day after birth.
- Being committed to raising the child with love and care while consistently making prayers for their well-being.
Ritual of ‘Aqiqah for Newborns
It is a parental obligation to perform the ritual of ‘aqiqah for their child on the seventh day after birth. This practice involves sacrificing an animal in gratitude to Allah for His blessing. The permissible period for performing this sacrifice begins once the newborn is completely separated from the mother and extends up to their maturity. The most favored time for performing ‘aqiqah is on the seventh day after birth. Generally, two sheep are sacrificed for a male and one sheep for a female.
Naming the Newborn and Its Etiquettes
In principle, all names are permissible; however, there are certain Islamic precepts to consider when selecting a name for the newborn. These include avoiding names that imply servitude to anyone other than Allah, steering clear of names that are among Allah’s perfect names—such as Al-Razzaq and Al-Rahman—and refraining from using names specific to non-believers, such as Peter or George, and names of idols or deities worshipped besides Allah. Names can be classified based on their merit as follows:
- First rank: Names like Abdullah (Servant of Allah) and Abdur-Rahman (Servant of the Most Merciful).
- Second rank: All names that denote servitude to Allah, like Abdur-Razzaq and similar variants.
- Third rank: Names of the prophets and messengers.
- Fourth rank: Names of righteous servants of Allah, such as the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them).
- Fifth rank: Any name that conveys a good and beautiful meaning.