These are 11 Sunnahs (traditions) that parents can perform after the birth of their child in the Islamic tradition
About Sunnah for Child Birth In Islam
In Islam, Sunnahs for childbirth encompass a set of recommended practices and traditions that are followed to seek blessings, guidance, and a smooth delivery process. These Sunnahs are based on the teachings and examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and include.
Adhan and Iqamah: Whispere the Adhan (the call to prayer) in the right ear of the newborn and the Iqamah (the shorter call to establish the prayer) in the left ear as this is believed to be the first words the child should hear.
Tahneek: Place a small piece of softened date or a drop of honey on the baby’s palate. This is typically done by the father or a respected person symbolizing the nurturing of the child with good and wholesome things.
Choosing a Good Name: Select a meaningful and virtuous name for your child. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged choosing names with positive connotations and avoiding those that go against Islamic principles.
Aqiqah: Perform the Aqiqah ceremony, which involves sacrificing an animal, often a sheep or goat, on the seventh day after the child’s birth. The meat is then distributed among family friends and the needy.
Circumcision: If you have a baby boy, arrange for his circumcision. The timing may vary based on cultural and regional practices so consult with knowledgeable individuals or an Islamic scholar for guidance.
Du’a and Gratitude: Continuously make supplications (du’a) for the well-being, health and righteousness of your child. Express gratitude to Allah for the blessing of your child and seek His guidance in raising them righteously.
Seeking Knowledge: Ensure your child receives an Islamic education and upbringing. Teach them about the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic values from a young age. Encourage them to seek knowledge and lead a life in accordance with Islamic principles.
Shaving the Baby’s Head: On the seventh day, it is customary to shave the baby’s head and give the weight of the hair in silver as charity. This act symbolizes purity and cleanliness.
Recitation of Quran: Recite Quranic verses and supplications for blessings and protection upon your child. You can blow gently on the child after reciting and then rub your hands over their body.
Announcing the Birth: Share the joyous news of your child’s birth with family and friends inviting them to pray for the child’s well being and success.
Sadaqah (Charity): Give to charity, even if it’s a small amount, as an expression of gratitude for the birth of your child. This act of charity is believed to bring blessings to the family.
These Sunnahs are meant to guide parents in providing a spiritual foundation for their child’s life. Alongside these practices it is important to offer love care and a nurturing environment for your child’s holistic development, including their physical emotional and intellectual growth.
Dua for a Newborn Baby Boy
اللهم لك الحمد والشكر على نعمتك التي أعطيتنا بها، واغفر لنا. اللهم بارك له في صحته وعافيته واجعله مباركًا حيًا. وارزقه العلم والتقوى
وحسن الخلق. اجعله فرقةً لوالديه وقرة أعينهم. واجعله داعيًا إلى الخير واجعله من عبادك الصالحين. آمين.
(Allahumma lakal-hamdu wa shukru ‘ala ni’matika allati ‘a’taytana biha wa faghfirlana. Allahumma barik lahu fee sahatihi wa ‘afiyyatihi wa aj’alhu mubarakan hayyan. Warzuqhu l-‘ilma wattaqwa wa husna khuluqihi. Ja’alhu furqatan liwaledayhi wa qurrata ‘aynihim. Wa ja’alhu da’ian ila khayr, wajalhu min ‘ibadika as-saliheen. Ameen.)
“O Allah, I thank You for the gift of this precious baby boy. Please bless him with health, happiness, and a long, righteous life. Grant him wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the Quran and Sunnah. Make him a source of joy and pride for his parents and a means of spreading goodness in the world. Protect him from all harm, evil, and misguidance. O Allah, guide him to the straight path and make him among the pious and obedient servants. Ameen.”
Dua for a Newborn Baby
اللهم لك الحمد والشكر على نعمتك التي أعطيتنا بها، واغفر لنا. اللهم بارك له في صحته وعافيته واجعله مباركًا حيًا. وارزقه العلم والتقوى وحسن الخلق. اجعله فرقةً لوالديه وقرة أعينهم. واجعله داعيًا إلى الخير. آمين.
( Allahumma lakal-hamdu wa shukru ‘ala ni’matika allati ‘a’taytana biha wa faghfirlana. Allahumma barik lahu fee sahatihi wa ‘afiyyatihi wa aj’alhu mubarakan hayyan. Warzuqhu l-‘ilma wattaqwa wa husna khuluqihi. Ja’alhu furqatan liwaledayhi wa qurrata ‘aynihim. Wa ja’alhu da’ian ila khayr. Ameen )
“O Allah, I thank You for the blessing of this beautiful baby. Shower Your mercy upon this child and grant them health, strength, and prosperity. Make them a source of joy and comfort for their parents. Protect them from all harm and evil influences. Bestow upon them knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. O Allah, bless this child with a life of goodness and righteousness. Ameen.”
