Birth in Islam

In all communities around the world, the birth of a child is considered a blessing and ceremonies are held to celebrate this event. A new-born baby in Islam has the following rites, as demonstrated and taught by the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh):

Saying the Adhan

The Muslim call to prayer (Adhan) should be recited in his/her ear by the father. Hazrat Abu Raf’ (ra) relates, “I saw the Prophet saying the adhan of salah in the ear of his grandson, Hazrat Imam Hasan (AS) when the child was born to his daughter Fatima”.

Aqeeqah & Shaving the Head

The Aqeeqah ceremony essentially consists of two acts: the shaving of the hair from the head of a new-born baby, and the sacrifice of an animal. The hair on the child’s head is shaved and its weight in silver is given as charity. An animal is then sacrificed as a mark of celebration and distributed amongst friends, family, and the poor and a portion is kept for one’s own consumption.

Tasmiyah (Naming The Child)

In Islam, it is an obligation of the parents, that their child be given a good name with a good meaning. Those who ask Allah to give them children should also ask Allah to make these children among the followers of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and adherents to his Sunnah.

Naming a child with a beautiful and honourable name is very important. The Prophet (pbuh) always chose names with good and beautiful meanings, even telling people to change their names if they had unpleasant meanings.

Sahih Bukhari 7:376

Khitan – Circumcision

Muslim baby boys should be circumcised in their infancy. The removal of the foreskin at this age is encouraged as this minimizes any risk of the operation and any pain associated with the procedure. However, circumcision may be delayed should the child have health problems that may complicate the procedure. Circumcision is thus mandatory upon Muslim boys for hygienic and health reasons.