6 Sunnah Acts for Newborn Baby That Parents Should Follow

Sunnah acts for Newborn: The addition of a new member to the family is a great occasion for rejoicing. Children are an adornment in this world gifted by Allah SWT. The tiny hands and feet, innocent face is nothing short of a miracle.

There is more to than just preparing for the newcomer, the Sunnahs to be followed after the baby is born are very important.

Sunnahs Acts To Be Followed After A Baby Is Born

Holding your child for the first time is emotional, thank Allah SWT for blessing you with this bundle of joy. Most of the Sunnahs set down by Islam need to be accomplished within or by the 7th day. Here are some more beautiful sunnahs that you can make a habit of.

1 – Calling out the Adhaan

The first Sunnah to be practiced is calling Adhaan (call to prayer) in the ear of the newborn, so that the first word the baby hears is the name of Allah. As a newborn child is already touched by Shaitan when he was born, as soon as a child is born it is a must that it cries. The adhan is a reminder of the Oneness of Allah SWT. Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying:

It is common practice in Asian countries that it is done by the eldest member of the family. It isn’t necessary as anyone can do it as long as they know it. It should be given in a tone audible for the baby, not too loud.

It is not specified in which ear but it was a common practice of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ to start anything new and good from the right side. Abu Rafi رضي الله عنهreported:

2 – Tahneek

Another Sunnah act for the newborn is the softening or chewing a date and rubbing the palate of the newborn with it as soon as the child is born or a little after. Place the date on your finger and rub it gently from right to left or vice versa.

The date doesn’t necessarily need to be chewed it could be softened in any way. Tahneek is a recommended Sunnah. Aisha رضي الله عنه said:

3 – Naming The Child

The baby can be named on the day it is born as well if the parents have thought of a name before. It usually happens in extended families everyone is suggesting names, this puts the parents of the baby in a fix. How should the name be finalized?

Instead of drawing out names from a hat or asking the aunt, stick to Deen. Istikhara is the best way to decide, ask Allah SWT for guidance. The name should carry a praiseworthy meaning and reflect a Muslim characteristic. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ selected names that had beautiful meanings. Prophets and Sahabahs had amazing names and personalities. Names of actors and singers are not an ideal choice. Here are some beautiful Arabic names for girls with meaning and Arabic names for boys.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

4 – Aqeeqah

This is an established Sunnah act of gratitude, a way to thank Allah SWT for his blessing, to slaughter a sheep. Sharing its meat with friends, family, and the poor. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

Aqeeqah safeguards your child from all evil. If the newborn is a boy then two sheep are to be slaughtered and if it is a girl then only one. The sacrifice is usually done by the father or a close relative. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

5 – Shaving The Head

It is desirable to get the newborn’s head shaved on the seventh day after the aqeeqah. This practice comes highly recommended for all Muslims. When Hassan رضي الله عنه was born, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ told his daughter Fatima رضي الله عنه:

6 – Circumcision for Baby Boys

The Arabic term for circumcision is ختنة (Khatna). It is the removal of the foreskin, the body is relieved of a pocket where drops of urine can tend to accumulate thus causing issues with purity. A very important Sunnah that needs to be accomplished, lots of people think it should be done by the seventh day. Yes, it should be done as soon as possible. Nowadays, doctors tend to delay circumcision depending on the health of the baby, which is perfectly alright. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

Dua For Protection Of Child

Any important possession we possess, we make sure to care very good care of. Children are our most prized possession. Protecting them is the responsibility of both the mother and father. The Prophet ﷺ used to seek refuge with Allah SWT for Al-Hassan رضي الله عنه and Al-Hussain رضي الله عنه and said:

Do you know how powerful is the dua of a parent? Allah SWT has given us a very powerful tool, so make dua to Allah SWT to protect our children. Here are some duas to place your children in Allah’s protection: Authentic Islamic Duas for Protection of Children.

Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه reported, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

Etiquettes Of Visiting A Newborn Muslim Baby

A lot of directives have been given by Quran and Sunnah, but some things are just basic common sense. Like visiting a newborn child for the first time, your level of excitement and wanting to spend time with the baby might be tedious and nerve-wracking for the new parents.

Always inform the new parents before hand of your visit.
Since the mother is still getting used to the baby and a new routine, try to show up with a cooked meal that might help her out.
Try to avoid visiting if you are sick, but still if you do visit in sickness, avoid holding the baby.
Make your visit as short as possible, keep in mind the parents will be tired and sleep deprived.
If you bring your kids along, tell them not to touch or kiss the baby.
Never take pictures of the baby without the parents consent. People and Muslim parents in particular are often very sensitive about this issue, so never take a picture without their consent.

Giving birth was the easy part, it is the upbringing that is the unsaid obligation on parents. As every single parent will be questioned about this on the Day of Judgement. May Allah SWT make our kids from the pious and help us make them better Muslims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are the Sunnah acts for a newborn baby girl different?

No, everything is the same only at the time of Aqeeqah one goat is slaughtered for the girl and to for a boy.

Q. Its been heard that Adhaan should be recited in the right ear and iqamah in the left?

There is no evidence in Quran and Sunnah to prove this.

Q. How to dispose off the newborn child's shaved hair?

People usually bury it or throw it in the sea. There is nothing in the Sunnah to prove this point but there isn’t any harm in doing it. Preferably dispose of it in a clean place.