Children are a source of delight granted by Allah to parents.

Children give strength to the hearts, joy to the souls and pleasure to the eyes. Indeed Islam has surely exalted the status of children and has laid down manners for their treatment relating to all their affairs and each stage of their and from these are the manners for welcoming their arrival in this life. Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran to have children in these words: “…So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you…” (Quran 2: 187)

Childbirth is one of the most amazing blessings which Allah Almighty has given to us. After giving birth to a child it is recommended to welcome newborn by following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said about the encouragement to have children in these words: “Marry the loving and fertile because through you, I will compete with the nations for superiority in numbers. ”(Abu Dawood)

After the child is born, these are the Sunnahs that every Muslim parent should perform. Below we are going to discuss some Sunnahs that every parent should do after their child has been born:

CALLING ADHAAN IN THE EAR OF NEWBORN :

When a child is born, firstly the Adhaan should be said in his/her ear. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has done the same. Narrated by Abu Raafi’ who said: “I saw the Prophet (SAW) call the Adhaan in the ear of Al-Hasan Ibn ‘Ali when his mother Fatimah gave birth to him. ” (Tirmidhi )

TAHNEEK :

Tahneek means to softening or chewing a date and then rubbing the palate of the new-born with it just after the birth or soon after. If the date is not available, you can also put honey in the mouth of baby. Aisha (RA) reported that: “New-born children used to be brought to the Messenger of Allah and he would supplicate for blessings for them, and rub a chewed date upon their palate.” (Muslim)

NAMING THE NEWBORN CHILD :

An honorable name for your child has importance in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) always chose names with beautiful meanings. You can also name your child after the prophets or companions of Muhammad (SAW). The name should carry a good and honorable meaning as the Messenger (PBUH) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and your fathers’ names, so make your names good.” (Abu Dawood)

AQEEQAH :

Aqeeqah is a form of Sadaqah which safeguards your child from all the Evil. It is done after the seventh day of the arrival of the new-born, as a form of welcome for it and to give thanks to the One who gave the blessings, it is prescribed to slaughter a sheep.

The Messenger (SAW) said: “Every child is in pledge for its ‘Aqeeqah which is sacrificed for it on its seventh day, and it is named on it, and its head is shaved” (Abu Dawood).

If the new-born is a boy then two sheep are to be sacrificed, and if it is a girl then one sheep.Shaving the Newborn’s Head: It is compulsory to shave newborn’s head on the 7th day, along with Aqeeqah as it is desirable. When Al-Hasan (RA) was born, the Prophet (PBUH) told his daughter, Fatima (RA): “Shave his head and give the weight of his hair in silver to the poor. ”(Ahmad)

CIRCUMCISION :

Circumcision is prescribed for both boys and girls. The circumcision could take place on the seventh day, though it is commonly done up to the seventh year or even later. The Prophet (PBUH) said “Five are the acts of fitra: circumcision, shaving the pubes, clipping the moustache, paring the nails, plucking the hair under the armpits” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

While the other fitra acts are followed by most of humanity, it is mostly Muslims who practice circumcision. In the case of males, circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin and helps keep the penis clean and free of germs. In the case of females, the foreskin of the clitoris is removed. This ensures cleanliness and prevents germs breeding and causing diseases. It also helps women enjoy a better sex life. Even Western women nowadays get it done under the name hoodectomy.

These were some Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) related to the newborn that every Muslim parent should perform. Observance of these Sunnahs guarantees the health, as well as the proper upbringing of the child. May Allah Almighty give guidance to every parent to perform these actions and do good to their children! Ameen.