The Sunnahs of a Newborn: A Detailed Guide to Islamic Traditions and Practices
In Islam, the arrival of a newborn is a momentous occasion, bringing joy and blessings to the family. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided clear guidance on how to welcome a newborn into the world, and these traditions are considered Sunnah (the actions and sayings of the Prophet). These practices not only serve as a way to seek blessings from Allah but also reflect the love and care for the child’s well-being, spiritual development, and integration into the Muslim community.
This article delves into the key Sunnahs related to newborns, providing a comprehensive look at the steps parents and guardians can take to ensure the child is treated according to Islamic teachings.
1. The Adhan in the Ear
One of the most beloved traditions when a newborn enters the world is to recite the Adhan (the Islamic call to prayer) into the child’s right ear. This practice is derived from a Hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“When a child is born to any one of you, then let him say the Adhan in his ear.” (Abu Dawood)
The Adhan serves multiple purposes. First, it is an affirmation of the child’s connection to the Islamic faith from the very beginning of life. By hearing the call to prayer, the child is gently introduced to the rhythm of the faith. It is also a form of protection, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended it to shield the child from any harm or evil.
This act is generally performed by the father or a close family member soon after the birth, usually within a few hours.
2. Tahneek: Chewing and Rubbing Dates on the Child’s Palate
Tahneek refers to the practice of rubbing something sweet, traditionally a date, onto the newborn’s palate. This Sunnah is recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is mentioned in various Hadiths. One narration states:
“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would chew a date and then rub the chewed date onto the newborn’s mouth.” (Sahih Bukhari)
The benefits of this practice are both spiritual and physical. The sweetness of the date is said to symbolize the sweetness of faith, and by performing this act, parents are asking for Allah’s blessings and protection for their child. In addition to this, dates are rich in nutrients and are considered a healthy first food for the infant.
In cases where dates are not available or suitable, some scholars suggest using other sweet and natural substances, like honey.
3. Aqiqah: The Sacrifice of an Animal
Aqiqah is a form of sacrifice made on behalf of the newborn, typically performed on the seventh day after birth. According to the Sunnah, the family is encouraged to slaughter an animal—usually a goat, sheep, or cow—and distribute the meat among family, friends, and the poor. This practice is seen as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the gift of the child and a means to seek protection for the newborn from any misfortune.
The sacrifice of an animal on behalf of the newborn is mentioned in several Hadiths, including the following:
“For a boy, two sheep should be sacrificed, and for a girl, one sheep should be sacrificed.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
The practice of Aqiqah also serves to signify the child’s entrance into the Muslim community and to mark the momentous occasion with acts of charity and gratitude. The meat from the sacrifice is typically divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and guests, and one for the needy.
4. Shaving the Baby’s Head
Another important Sunnah on the seventh day after birth is the shaving of the newborn’s head. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Shave the head of your newborn and give in charity the weight of its hair in silver.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)
The practice of shaving the head symbolizes purification and is thought to represent the removal of any impurities from the child. The hair is weighed, and an equivalent amount of silver is given as charity, thus benefiting the community and ensuring the newborn is surrounded by acts of goodwill and mercy.
The shaving of the head also provides an opportunity for the parents to express gratitude to Allah, acknowledging the blessing of the child.
5. Naming the Newborn
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of giving the newborn a good name, as names are considered an integral part of one’s identity and character. According to a Hadith narrated by Abu Dawood:
“The most beloved names to Allah are those that are Abdullah (Servant of Allah) and Abdur-Rahman (Servant of the Most Merciful).” (Sahih Muslim)
The name of a newborn should carry a positive and meaningful connotation, often reflecting attributes of the Divine or virtues that the parents hope the child will embody. The naming ceremony often occurs on the seventh day, coinciding with other Sunnah practices.
It is important to note that the Islamic tradition encourages parents to choose names that are noble, meaningful, and free from negative connotations. Many Muslim parents choose names of prophets, righteous companions, or other revered figures in Islamic history.
6. Circumcision (Taharah)
Circumcision, or Taharah, is an important Sunnah in Islam, though its timing varies. For boys, it is generally recommended to be performed at an early age, often within the first few weeks or months of life. Circumcision is viewed as a way to maintain cleanliness and is mentioned in the Hadiths as a practice associated with the natural disposition (fitrah) of human beings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Five things are part of the natural disposition: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, clipping the nails, plucking the armpit hairs, and trimming the mustache.” (Sahih Muslim)
While not an obligatory act for Muslim children, circumcision is widely practiced within the community due to its strong association with purity and cleanliness.
7. Breastfeeding and Nourishing the Newborn
Breastfeeding is considered an essential Sunnah in Islam, with the Quran and Hadith both encouraging it. Allah says in the Quran:
“Mothers may breastfeed their children for two whole years, for those who wish to complete the term.” (Quran 2:233)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also advised mothers on the importance of breastfeeding, emphasizing its physical and spiritual benefits. Breast milk is not only nutritionally rich but is also seen as a form of mercy and affection for the newborn, providing them with both emotional and physical sustenance.
The act of breastfeeding serves as a bond between the mother and the child, reinforcing the value of care, love, and protection in the early stages of life. It is also seen as a means to fulfill the rights of the child over the parents, ensuring that the infant grows in a safe and nurturing environment.
8. Invocations and Prayers for the Newborn
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would make supplications for the newborn, asking for blessings, health, and protection. These supplications are commonly recited after the birth and throughout the child’s early life. A widely-known prayer for a newborn is:
“O Allah, make him/her pious, make him/her a righteous servant of Allah, and make him/her a source of joy and happiness for their parents.”
These prayers not only express love and hope for the child but also seek divine protection from harm, illness, and any trials that may come their way. Parents are encouraged to make du’a (supplication) regularly, asking for Allah’s guidance and mercy upon the child’s life.
Conclusion
The Sunnahs associated with the birth of a child are rich with meaning, rooted in Islamic tradition, and serve to ensure that the newborn enters the world surrounded by love, blessings, and the protection of Allah. From the Adhan in the ear to the sacrifice of Aqiqah, these practices help parents fulfill their religious obligations and strengthen their bond with the Muslim community. Through these acts of kindness, gratitude, and faith, the family provides a solid foundation for the child’s spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.
By following these practices, Muslim parents not only seek Allah’s favor for their newborn but also demonstrate their commitment to nurturing the child in accordance with the teachings of Islam. These Sunnahs provide a timeless guide for welcoming a new life into the world, filled with compassion, devotion, and an unwavering faith in the Almighty.