Family RulingsSunnahs for the Newborn in Islam
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.
A newborn is a great blessing from Allah and the beginning of a new stage of responsibility, care, and upbringing. Islam brought manners and sunnahs related to the newborn, through which parents thank Allah, show lawful joy, and connect the child from the beginning with meanings of worship, purity, and blessing.
{لِلَّهِ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ يَهَبُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ إِنَاثًا وَيَهَبُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ الذُّكُورَ * أَوْ يُزَوِّجُهُمْ ذُكْرَانًا وَإِنَاثًا وَيَجْعَلُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ عَقِيمًا إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ قَدِيرٌ}To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He grants females to whom He wills and grants males to whom He wills, or He pairs them as males and females, and He makes whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Powerful. [Ash-Shura 42:49-50]
A child is a gift from Allah, whether male or female. Parents must thank Allah for this blessing and fulfill the right of this trust.
GratitudeFirst: Thanking Allah for the Newborn
The first thing parents should remember when a newborn arrives is that this child is provision from Allah and a trust in their hands. They praise Allah and ask Him for the child’s righteousness and blessing, and that He make the child among His righteous servants.
Joy at a newborn is not only for a boy and not a girl. Every newborn is a blessing from Allah. Allah condemned the people of jahiliyyah who disliked daughters.
{وَإِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُهُمْ بِالْأُنْثَى ظَلَّ وَجْهُهُ مُسْوَدًّا وَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ * يَتَوَارَى مِنَ الْقَوْمِ مِنْ سُوءِ مَا بُشِّرَ بِهِ أَيُمْسِكُهُ عَلَى هُونٍ أَمْ يَدُسُّهُ فِي التُّرَابِ أَلَا سَاءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ}When one of them is given news of a female, his face darkens while he suppresses grief... Unquestionably, evil is what they judge. [An-Nahl 16:58-59]
A Muslim rejoices with what Allah has decreed, thinks well of his Lord, and knows that blessing is not in being male or female by itself; blessing is in righteousness and taqwa.
TahnikSecond: Tahnik of the Newborn
Among the established sunnahs is tahnik of the newborn. This means softening a date until it becomes very soft, then gently rubbing a very small amount on the newborn’s palate while protecting the child’s safety and avoiding harm.
A boy was born to me, so I brought him to the Prophet ﷺ. He named him Ibrahim, performed tahnik with a date, supplicated for blessing for him, and returned him to me.
Agreed upon, from the hadith of Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari رضي الله عنه.
This hadith contains three great benefits: naming the newborn, tahnik, and making dua for blessing.
Tahnik should be done gently, without exaggeration, and while observing medical advice related to the baby’s safety, especially if the newborn is weak or premature.
Tahnik should not become a way of seeking blessing from people’s saliva. The Companions brought their children to the Prophet ﷺ because of the blessing Allah placed in him. Others are not compared to him in that. If the father or mother performs tahnik with a clean date in a safe way, that is the intended meaning, while prioritizing the baby’s safety and avoiding harm.
For safety, tahnik should be with a very tiny amount, a clean hand, and something soft that does not cause choking. A large amount of date should not be placed in the child’s mouth. If the baby is premature, has a medical issue, or the doctor advises avoiding anything in the mouth other than milk, tahnik should be delayed or left to prevent harm.
Dua and BlessingThird: Making Dua for Blessing and Righteousness
Making dua for the newborn is one of the greatest ways to welcome the child. Parents ask Allah to bless the child, make the child righteous, benefit Islam and Muslims through the child, and protect the child from Shaytan.
- O Allah, bless this child and make this child among Your righteous servants.
- O Allah, cause this child to grow in a good way.
- O Allah, make this child a comfort of the eyes for the parents.
- O Allah, rectify this child and rectify through this child.
{رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا}Our Lord, grant us from our spouses and offspring comfort of the eyes, and make us leaders for the righteous. [Al-Furqan 25:74]
NamingFourth: Naming the Newborn and Choosing a Good Name
One of the rights of the newborn is that the parents choose a good name, far from ugly names or meanings that contradict Islam. A name remains with a person, people call him by it, and it affects meaning, identity, and belonging.
The most beloved of your names to Allah are Abdullah and Abd ar-Rahman.
Narrated by Muslim.
It is permissible to name the newborn on the day of birth, and it is permissible to name the child on the seventh day. Both are established in the Sunnah.
In the previous hadith of Abu Musa رضي الله عنه, the Prophet ﷺ named the child Ibrahim at birth.
Every boy is held by his aqiqah. It is slaughtered for him on his seventh day, his head is shaved, and he is named.
Narrated by Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, and An-Nasa'i; authenticated by scholars.
The timing of naming is broad. Whoever names the child on the day of birth has a basis in the Sunnah, and whoever delays naming until the seventh day also has a basis.
Good NamesWhat Names Are Recommended?
- Names that contain servitude to Allah, such as Abdullah and Abd ar-Rahman.
- Names of prophets, such as Muhammad, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, Nuh, Yusuf, and Yunus.
- Names of the Companions, female Companions, and righteous people if the name has a good meaning.
- Any Arabic or non-Arabic permissible name with a good meaning, containing nothing prohibited or blameworthy imitation.
The Prophet ﷺ named the son of Abu Musa رضي الله عنه Ibrahim, which shows the permissibility of naming children with the names of prophets.
Names to AvoidNames That Should Be Avoided
- Servitude to other than Allah, such as Abd an-Nabi, Abd ar-Rasul, Abd al-Husayn, or Abd al-Ka'bah.
- Names specific to Allah, such as Ar-Rahman, Al-Khaliq, or Ar-Razzaq, when used in a way exclusive to Allah.
- Names that contain obvious self-praise, such as names implying absolute purity or righteousness when intended as self-praise.
- Names with ugly or embarrassing meanings.
- Names that have become symbols of disbelief, immorality, or false beliefs.
It is from the Sunnah to change an ugly name to a good name. The Prophet ﷺ changed some names that had unsuitable meanings. In the two Sahihs, Zaynab رضي الله عنها was named Barrah, and it was said this was self-praise, so the Messenger of Allah ﷺ named her Zaynab.
ConsultationIf the Parents Disagree About the Name
The name should be chosen through consultation and mutual contentment. Parents should avoid turning the first joy of the newborn into a dispute. The father has an apparent right in naming his child because the child is attributed to him, but from good companionship and affection is that he consults the mother and that they choose a good name that pleases Allah and does not hurt either parent.
The most important matter is that the name is permissible and good in meaning, not that each side wins for personal desire or family custom.
AqiqahFifth: Aqiqah for the Newborn
Aqiqah is a confirmed Sunnah according to many scholars. It is the slaughtering of one or two sheep in gratitude to Allah for the blessing of the newborn.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded us to offer two sheep for a boy and one sheep for a girl.
Narrated by At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah; authenticated by scholars, from Aishah رضي الله عنها.
Every boy is held by his aqiqah. It is slaughtered for him on his seventh day, his head is shaved, and he is named.
Narrated by Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, and An-Nasa'i; authenticated by scholars.
The best time for aqiqah is the seventh day. If that is not possible, it may be done later when one is able. Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
The family may eat from the aqiqah, give some as gifts, and give some in charity. There is no fixed required distribution. The purpose is worship and gratitude to Allah, not showing off, extravagance, or burdening the family beyond its means.
The seventh day is counted from the day of birth according to many scholars if the child is born during the day. If the family is unsure, there is no harm in asking scholars. The matter is broad and is not meant to be a source of hardship.
Shaving and CharitySixth: Shaving the Newborn’s Head and Giving Charity Equal to the Weight of the Hair in Silver
Among the sunnahs related to the newborn is shaving the head on the seventh day and giving charity equal to the weight of the hair in silver, according to those scholars who consider it recommended.
O Fatimah, shave his head and give charity equal to the weight of his hair in silver.
Narrated by At-Tirmidhi from Ali رضي الله عنه; graded hasan by some scholars.
This should be done gently and safely, and should not be done if it harms the newborn or cannot be done safely.
What some people do of smearing the newborn’s head with the blood of the aqiqah is not correct. It is a rejected custom. What is legislated is what evidence indicates: shaving and charity according to those who recommend it, not adding baseless customs to the religion.
CircumcisionSeventh: Circumcision
Circumcision is from the practices of fitrah. It is legislated for males by agreement of the scholars, and it should be done at a time suitable for the child’s condition and safety, while observing medical care and avoiding harm.
The fitrah is five: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, trimming the moustache, clipping the nails, and plucking the armpit hair.
Agreed upon.
It should be done by someone who is qualified, while observing medical regulations and health precautions.
UpbringingEighth: Raising the Newborn Upon Tawhid from a Young Age
The sunnahs of the newborn are not merely actions in the first days. One of the greatest rights of the child is to grow up in a home that knows Allah, honors prayer, loves the Quran and Sunnah, and sees good example from the parents.
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا}O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire. [At-Tahrim 66:6]
Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.
Agreed upon.
Part of thanking Allah for the newborn is raising the child upon iman, modesty, truthfulness, prayer, and good character.
Important NoteIs Adhan and Iqamah in the Newborn’s Ear Legislated?
It is common among many people to call the adhan in the newborn’s right ear and the iqamah in the left ear. However, the hadiths reported about this are discussed by scholars, and many verifying scholars do not consider them established.
Therefore, it should not be stated with certainty that this is an established Sunnah like aqiqah, tahnik, and naming. Whoever does it based on scholars who graded it acceptable should not be harshly condemned, but in general teaching, a Muslim should distinguish between what is established by strong evidence and what is disputed in authenticity.
As for the iqamah in the newborn’s left ear, it is weaker than the adhan and is not established from the Prophet ﷺ with an authentic chain.
Common MistakesCommon Mistakes When a Newborn Arrives
- Feeling sad over the birth of a girl or favoring a boy over her.
- Extravagance in celebrations and appearances.
- Choosing names with ugly or impermissible meanings.
- Delaying aqiqah despite being able without a reason.
- Making social customs more important than established sunnahs.
- Claiming certainty about practices not established from the Prophet ﷺ.
- Seeking blessing from people’s saliva during tahnik.
- Smearing the newborn’s head or body with the blood of the aqiqah.
- Making matters difficult for the family with details not brought by Islam.
- Neglecting dua and upbringing after being busy with outward appearances.
FAQWhen should the newborn be named?
It is permissible to name the child on the day of birth, and it is permissible to name the child on the seventh day. Both are found in the Sunnah.
FAQWhat are the best names for a newborn?
Among the best names are Abdullah and Abd ar-Rahman, because the Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved of your names to Allah are Abdullah and Abd ar-Rahman,” narrated by Muslim. It is also permissible to use the names of prophets, Companions, and righteous people if the name is good.
FAQMay a newborn be given a non-Arabic name?
A non-Arabic name is permissible when it meets Islamic conditions: its meaning is good or at least acceptable; it does not contain shirk, servitude to other than Allah, or a forbidden meaning; it is not a religious symbol specific to non-Muslim faiths; it is not a name known for evil, immorality, or corrupt belief; and it is not chosen out of blameworthy imitation or admiration of non-Islamic symbols in a way that weakens the child’s Muslim identity.
Good Islamic names are better, whether Arabic or non-Arabic. The Prophet ﷺ named his son Ibrahim, and many Prophets’ names used by Muslims are originally non-Arabic or Arabized, such as Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, Ishaq, Ya‘qub, Yusuf, and Yunus.
FAQMust a bad name be changed?
If the name is prohibited, ugly in meaning, contains obvious self-praise, or carries a meaning contrary to Islam, it should be changed to a good name. The Prophet ﷺ changed ugly or unsuitable names.
FAQIs aqiqah obligatory?
Aqiqah is a confirmed Sunnah according to the majority of scholars and is not obligatory according to many of them. Whoever is able should do it in gratitude to Allah and in following the Sunnah.
FAQWho is responsible for the aqiqah?
The basic rule is that aqiqah is upon the one responsible for the newborn’s maintenance, usually the father if he is able. If someone else offers it with his permission or approval, there is no harm, insha Allah.
FAQIs aqiqah for a boy the same as for a girl?
The Sunnah is two sheep for a boy and one sheep for a girl, as mentioned in the hadith of Aishah رضي الله عنها. Whoever can only offer one sheep for a boy, that is sufficient according to a number of scholars.
FAQWhat if someone cannot do aqiqah on the seventh day?
He may do it later when able, if that is possible. Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
FAQHow should the meat of aqiqah be distributed?
The matter is broad. The family may eat from it, give gifts, and give charity. There is no required fixed division with authentic evidence. The important matter is that aqiqah is gratitude to Allah and following the Sunnah, far from extravagance and showing off.
FAQMay people be invited to an aqiqah meal?
It is permissible to feed people from the aqiqah and invite them, if this is free of extravagance and Islamic violations. But aqiqah should not become a financial burden or social display that pressures the family.
FAQHow is the seventh day counted?
The day of birth is counted as part of the seven according to many scholars if the child is born during the day. The matter is broad. If someone is unsure or misses the seventh day, they may offer aqiqah when able and should not make things difficult.
FAQIs adhan in the newborn’s ear an established Sunnah?
The hadiths about adhan in the newborn’s ear are disputed in authenticity, so it should not be stated with certainty as an established Sunnah. As for iqamah in the left ear, it is not established with an authentic chain.
FAQIs tahnik done by placing date inside the child’s mouth or on the teeth?
Tahnik is not done on the teeth, and a newborn usually has no teeth. It is done by gently rubbing a very tiny amount of softened date on the newborn’s palate, while being careful not to place a piece or amount that may cause choking or harm.
FAQIs it permissible to congratulate the parents on the newborn?
Yes, congratulating the parents is permissible, and dua may be made for blessing and righteousness. For example: May Allah bless you in what He has gifted, may you thank the Giver, may the child reach maturity, and may you be granted the child’s birr. This meaning is good, although no marfu hadith from the Prophet ﷺ is established with this wording.
ConclusionConclusion
The sunnahs for the newborn in Islam combine gratitude to Allah, dua, choosing a good name, aqiqah, tahnik, care for the child’s purity, and upbringing. The greatest purpose is for parents to know that the newborn is a trust, and that thanking Allah for this blessing is not through appearances alone, but through good upbringing, dua, mercy, justice, and teaching the child the religion of Allah upon insight.
We ask Allah to bless the children of the Muslims, make them a comfort of the eyes for their parents, cause them to grow in a good way, and rectify homes and communities through them.
