10 Essential Etiquettes After the Birth of a Child
In the previous video we spoke about the etiquettes before conception and during pregnancy. In this video we will give some important etiquettes and practices recommended after the birth of a child:
- Announcing the Birth
Thank Allah (Alḥamdulillāh) for the safe delivery and healthy arrival of the child.
Share the good news with family and loved ones, expressing gratitude to Allah for His blessings.
- Performing the Adhān and Iqāmah
Recite the adhān in the baby’s right ear and the iqāmah in the left ear.
The Prophet (S) stated: ‘Whomever a child is born to, should recite the adhān in the right ear and the iqāmah in the left ear, as this is protection from the evil of Satan.’
- Ghusl (Bathing the Newborn)
Perform the Islamic method of ghusl for the newborn, provided it does not harm the baby.
Bathing is recommended at the time of birth and may be delayed up to three days if needed.
- Food
Halāl sustenance is crucial, and parents should ensure the food consumed by the mother is pure and lawful.
- Naming the Child
It is the child’s right to be given a good name.
The best names are those that signify servitude to Allah, such as ʿAbdullāh or ʿAbd al-Raḥmān, or the names of prophets or holy figures.
It is recommended to name a boy Muhammad for the first seven days, after which parents may choose another name. Names like Muhammad and Fāṭimah carry special respect due to their connection with great Islamic figures.
Avoid names with negative connotations, such as dhālim or Kalb.
- Shaving the Hair
Shave the newborn’s hair on the seventh day after birth and donate its weight in gold or silver to charity.
- Walīmah
Hold a feast or celebration to express gratitude, strengthen community ties, and share blessings.
It is recommended to invite family and friends on the seventh day after the birth (or close to it) to celebrate the occasion.
- Aqīqah
Perform a sacrifice of an animal in the child’s name for their protection and distribute the meat among the poor believers.
Aqīqah is a highly recommended Sunnah and should ideally be performed on the seventh day but can be done later if necessary.
- Circumcision of Boys
Many scholars consider it obligatory to circumcise a newborn boy on the seventh day after birth, though it is permissible to delay it until puberty if needed.
- Mother-Child Contact
Place the baby next to the mother’s skin to establish an emotional bond.
Breastfeeding is highly recommended in Islam and viewed as a natural right of the child and a responsibility of the mother.
Sources:
Al Kafi – Vol 5
From Marriage to Parenthood -Shaheen Merali
Children in the Quran and Sunnah – Ayatollah Mohammad Reyshahri
The Rights of a Child – Shaykh Muhammad Jawad Tabasi