The arrival of a newborn is a momentous occasion in one’s life. It completely changes a person’s point of view toward life, the people, and the situations around them. So, it is really a big thing for a parent when they are giving their child a name – their first gift to such a great blessing from the Almighty. Islam, the world’s fastest-growing religion, also teaches consideration and mindfulness when it comes to naming the newborn. In this informative post, you will learn about naming and welcoming the newborn according to Sunnah or how to name and welcome the baby according to Islam.
Note: If you want to give your baby an Islamic/Muslim name then click here.
Naming and Welcoming the Newborn According to Sunnah
Islam is a religion that not only teaches how to worship Allah the Almighty but also provides guidance in all aspects of life. How to name and welcome your baby is also taught in Islam most exquisitely. Let us see, how Muslims do it.
Call for Prayer in Right Ear
According to some hadith books, it is a Sunnah to give Adhan (the call to prayer) in the right ear of the newborn so the first words that a baby should hear are the praise of Allah and testimony that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last messenger of Allah as a blessing words.
This practice is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, symbolizing the importance of faith and spirituality right from the moment of birth. It is believed to bless the child and instill a connection with the divine from the very beginning of their life journey. The soothing words of Adhan also serve as a profound gesture of love and guidance, shaping the child’s spiritual path in the embrace of Allah’s mercy.
Tahneek
Tahneek is a practice that Muslims do according to Sunnah on the day of the baby’s birth. Tahneek comes from the Arabic word “Hanak” which means “palate”. According to this practice, a righteous person or either parent of the infant chews date as much as to make it liquid and puts a very small amount of it on the infant’s palate. Tahneek can also be done with honey.
According to Science, when a baby sucks the date/honey, it helps them suck the breast of the mother (1). It is also believed that oral dextrose gel and Tahneek practice help with neonatal hypoglycemia in the newborn (2)
Naming the Baby
Naming the baby is a task that requires mindfulness and thoughtful consideration, as the chosen name will become an integral part of the child’s identity and shape their perception of self and others.
Regarding the fact on which day should one name one’s baby is completely up to them. According to Sunnah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave names to his grandchildren on the seventh day. But there is no hard and fast rule to name the baby on the seventh day.
Islam emphasizes the fact that the meaning of the child’s name should be beautiful. So, the first thing that you consider in a name is its meaning.
Note: If you are facing difficulty in choosing your baby’s name then click here.
Aqiqah and Circumcision
Both practices – Aqiqah and Circumcision – are done on the seventh day after the birth of the newborn. Again, there is flexibility about when should one perform these two practices according to one’s situation.
Aqiqah
Aqiqa is a practice when a sheep or goat is sacrificed on behalf of the newborn. It is a ransom paid for the newborn as Allah the Almighty ransomed Isma’il with a ram. For a male baby, two similar sheep or goats are sacrificed and for a one sheep or goat is sacrificed.
The act of Aqiqah is a recommended sunnah for those who are able to do so, but it is not obligatory for individuals who are considered poor.
Circumcision
Circumcision, known as “Khitan” in Islam, is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis of male individuals. It is the Sunnah of the prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the prophets after him. Circumcision is often performed on male infants within the Muslim community as part of Islamic tradition and teachings.
The main reasons behind Khitan or circumcision are health and hygiene.
Shaving the Infant’s Head
On the seventh day, the baby’s head is gently shaved, symbolizing purity and the start of a new phase in life. Anointing the baby’s head with saffron, a precious and fragrant spice, adds a touch of auspiciousness to this act.
This is a symbolic gesture that holds practical benefits as it promotes healthy hair growth from an early age.
Giving Charity
As part of the shaving ceremony, it is Sunnah to give charity equal to the weight of the baby’s hair, typically in gold or its monetary equivalent if you are financially stable and can do it. This act of generosity reflects gratitude towards Allah and sets a precedent of giving in the child’s life.
This charitable gesture not only fulfills a religious obligation but also instills values of compassion and empathy in the child’s upbringing. It also helps shape the child’s character with the principles of kindness and social responsibility.
Conclusion
Naming and welcoming a newborn according to the Sunnah is not just a ritual; it is a profound expression of faith, gratitude, and community. These practices instill values of compassion, devotion, and generosity from the very beginning, shaping a child’s spiritual and moral foundation. As families embrace these traditions, they celebrate not only the birth of a child but also the timeless wisdom and guidance found in the Sunnah.
The few practices of welcoming the baby according to Sunnah that require money are exempted for the poor. This exemption is in line with the understanding that those facing financial hardship are not required to fulfill certain religious obligations that involve material expenses, ensuring that religious practices are accessible and manageable for all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances.
