The Fiqh & Art of Newborns

The blessing of a new soul in life

Having a child is one of the most awakening manifestations of Allah’s bounty. There are many things in life that can bring us to joy and happiness, but success and accomplishments are nothing compared to witnessing your own child come into this world. In that single moment the first cry is heard, love, gratitude, humility, and feeling in awe all fills the heart. You realise that this tiny, fragile being is a living sign of Allah’s mercy. In caring for them, you discover parts of yourself you never knew existed.

The Fiqh of Welcoming a Newborn: The Sunnah Way

Welcoming a newborn is a moment where fitrah (purity), rahmah, and ibadah all come together. The Prophet s.a.w taught his companions to receive new life in remembrance, gratitude, and intentional care. The first recommended act is to recite the azan in the right ear and the iqamah of solat (prayer) in the left ear of the newborn.

Reciting the Azan in the ears of a newborn

Abu Dawud and At-Tirmizi narrated that the Prophet s.a.w recited the azan in the ear of Hasan Bin Ali when Fatimah, Prophet’s daughter, gave birth to him. Scholars such as Imam An-Nawawi in his book Al-Majmu‘ and Ibn Qudamah in his book Al-Mughni regarded this as a recommended practice, performed so that the first words the child hears proclaims the greatness of Allah, so that the soul is anchored to Him.

Doing Tahnik

Another practice closely associated with the newborn is tahnik, the act of softening a date and gently rubbing it on the baby’s palate. This was personally done by the Prophet for the children of the Companions. As narrated by Asma’ bint Abu Bakar, she brought her son Abdullah Bin Zubair to the Prophet, who chewed a date, rubbed it on Abdullah’s palate, and made du’a (supplication) for him. This simple act symbolises beginning the child’s life with sweetness of faith. According to Imam An-Nawawi and Ibn Qudamah, if dates are unavailable, any sweet substance may be used. Ibn Qayyim in Tuhfatul Mawdud Bi Ahkamil Mawlud explained that tahnik opens the newborn’s mouth with a sign of love and barakah.

Do your own Tahnik

To perform tahnik, one should prepare a clean, softened date, rub a small portion gently on the baby’s upper palate using a clean finger, and recite a brief du’a such as,

“Allahumma baarik fiihi waj‘alhu minassolihin” (O Allah, bless him and make him among the righteous)

This dua can be found in Al-Azkar Imam An-Nawawi. It is also preferable if a pious scholar or elder perform it, mirroring the Prophet’s practice with the children of his companions.

Choose a good name for the child

The Prophet s.a.w changed names with negative meanings to better ones. Imam Al-Ghazali in Ihya Ulumuddin emphasised that a name is a form of du‘a and moral identity.

Shave the baby’s hair

Tahliq, shaving the baby’s head, is another prophetic act for the newborn. Imam At-Tirmizi in his Jaami’ narrates that the Prophet ordered the head of Hasan to be shaved and the weight of the hair in silver given in charity. Ibn Qayyim noted that this act symbolises humility and the beginning of a life grounded in generosity and service.

Show gratitude to Allah

The Sunnah encourages parents to begin their journey with du’a and gratitude. The Prophet would make du’a for newborns, saying,

‘May Allah bless you with this gift, may you give thanks to the Giver, and may the child reach maturity in goodness.’ (Hisnul Muslim).

Parenthood teaches us Submission

Parenthood teaches us the true essence of submission to Allah. The Prophet s.a.w. said,

“You are rewarded for everything you spend seeking Allah’s pleasure, even what you place in your wife’s mouth.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Even the smallest act of love can become a form of worship when done with sincerity. When we realise this, changing a diaper, soothing a crying baby, or preparing a meal turn to meaningful and hopeful moments, that all are seen and rewarded by Allah.

Our children will take our traits

Let us remember that our children will always mirror us. They learn less from what we tell them, and more from what we live. They absorb our patience, our kindness and even our struggles. So every time we strive to improve ourselves, we are also shaping who our children will become.

Parenthood, then, is not simply raising a child. It is a lifelong act of surrender, a journey of love and learning, and a path through which we ourselves are raised, closer to mercy, closer to gratitude, and, ultimately, closer to Allah.