Performing Islamic newborn rites offers parents a profound spiritual framework to express gratitude, seek divine protection, and establish faith at the inception of human life. In Islamic tradition, the arrival of a child is celebrated as a cherished trust (amanah) and a divine blessing. To mark this occasion, prophetic guidelines establish specific spiritual and physical practices designed to integrate the newborn into the community of faith, ensuring both spiritual grounding and physical well-being.

Tahneek, Supplication, and Naming Guidelines

Immediately following birth, specific rites are recommended to welcome the child into the world. Prominent scholars state that the first of these acts is Tahneek, which involves placing a small portion of a sweet substance—preferably a softened date—into the newborn’s mouth and praying for divine blessings. As recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, Abu Musa reported that upon the birth of his son, he brought the child to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who named him Ibrahim, performed Tahneek with a date, and invoked blessings upon him before returning him to his father.

Parental supplication during this period focuses on raising a righteous child whose moral life will benefit the parents eternally. In Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the enduring value of righteous offspring:

When the son of Adam dies, all his good deeds come to an end, except for three things: Sadaqah Jaariyah [ongoing charity], beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim)

Selecting a meaningful name constitutes another essential duty. As recorded by Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim, ‘A’ishah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed the Aqeeqah for Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn on the seventh day after their birth and assigned them their names. Selecting a wholesome name reflects the child’s identity and Islamic heritage.

The Aqeeqah and Circumcision

The Aqeeqah refers to a celebratory feast and sacrificial offering performed on behalf of the newborn, typically observed on the seventh day after birth. In Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abu Dawood, and Sunan an-Nasa’i, Samurah ibn Jundub reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:

“A boy is ransomed by his ‘Aqeeqah. Sacrifice should be made for him on the seventh day, he should be given a name and his head should be shaved.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi; Sunan Abu Dawood; Sunan an-Nasa’i)

Additionally, Salman ibn ‘Amir narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed the slaughter of an animal for the child and the removal of harm from him. In Tuhfat al-Mawdood, Imam Ibn al-Qayyim outlined four primary benefits of the Aqeeqah:

  1. It serves as a devotional sacrifice through which the child is brought close to Allah at the beginning of life.
  2. It acts as a ransom for the newborn, enabling the child to intercede for parents.
  3. It functions as a ransom analogous to the ram provided by Allah to ransom the Prophet Isma’eel (peace be upon him).
  4. It provides a joyous opportunity to gather relatives and community members for a celebratory meal (Waleemah).

Regarding the quantitative legal requirements for a male child, the Sunnah prescribes sacrificing two sheep (or goats) of comparable age and quality for a boy, whereas one sheep is sacrificed for a girl. As recorded by ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) in Jami` at-Tirmidhi, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed the companions to slaughter two equivalent sheep for a newborn boy and one sheep for a girl. However, jurists across the legal schools affirm that if parents experience financial hardship, sacrificing a single sheep for a boy fully satisfies the core obligation of the Aqeeqah.

Circumcision constitutes an established component of Sunan al-Fitrah (practices adhering to natural human disposition). For male children, circumcision is considered obligatory in Islamic jurisprudence due to its direct connection with physical cleanliness (taharah), which is a mandatory prerequisite for valid prayer. As recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Five things are related to the Fitrah: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, plucking the armpit hair, cutting the nails, and trimming the moustache.” (Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim)

Reciting the Adhan, Head-Shaving, and Charitable Giving

Auditory and physical rites further mark the newborn’s introduction to faith. It is recommended to recite the call to prayer (Adhan) gently into the baby’s right ear so that the declaration of monotheism (Tawheed) forms the very first words heard in worldly existence. Scholars note, however, that reciting the Iqamah into the left ear is supported only by unauthentic or weak (da’if) narrations and is therefore not an established Sunnah practice.

On the seventh day, it is also prescribed to shave the newborn’s head and anoint it with saffron. Following the head-shaving, parents are encouraged to calculate the weight of the shaved hair in gold or silver and distribute an equivalent monetary value to charity. Where exact weighing of the hair proves difficult or impractical, parents may estimate the approximate weight and donate the equivalent value in paper currency to assist the poor and needy. Through these combined acts of worship, charity, and social celebration, the child’s life begins on a foundation of faith, gratitude, and community support.