Welcoming a New Life: The Sunnah Acts After Childbirth

In Islam, childbirth is an honoured journey. Indeed, the story of Maryam (ʿalayhā al-salām) is one of the most moving accounts of childbirth in the Qur’ān. From the emotions of pregnancy to the pain of labour, Allah ﷻ sees and rewards all. Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ reminded us that every hardship a believer endures is rewarded, even the prick of a thorn [Bukhari]. So how much more so the pain, fear, and courage of childbirth?

This guide brings together the beautiful sunnah acts associated with birth; practices to connect you with your faith and mark this moment with intention. But we also recognise that childbirth can be overwhelming. You may be recovering physically, feeling fragile emotionally, or navigating entirely new challenges. So, we share these acts gently. Not as pressure or expectation, but as an invitation. A way to honour your journey, draw closer to Allah ﷻ, and find meaning in the days to come.

May this be a source of excitement, benefit, and connection for you and your family, ʾĀmīn.

Begin with gratitude

Start this new chapter by thanking Allah ﷻ for the precious gift of your child. In Islam, children are an amānah, a sacred trust placed in our care. They are a source of immense blessing, joy, and responsibility.

Whether your baby is a girl or boy, born in ease or hardship, healthy or with challenges, welcome them equally. Announce their birth, and celebrate with others. Every child is part of His divine wisdom and mercy.

“To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. He creates whatever He wills. He gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males.” (Qur’ān 42:49)

Gratitude, contentment, and a sense of sacred responsibility should shape the early days of parenthood. While it’s a blessing to welcome a child into the world, it’s easy to forget that children also have rights over parents, beginning from birth. Today, there are many antenatal and postnatal classes that can help parents raise emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy children, with a focus on Islamic values and scientific health education. These are well worth exploring.

Naming your child

When it comes to naming your child, you may have already chosen a name or still be considering your options. It’s worth noting that it is a child’s right to be given a good name, one that carries a positive meaning and reflects their Muslim identity.

You may choose to name your child immediately or wait until the seventh day, as mentioned in some narrations. There is flexibility, and any time is permissible.

The most beloved names to Allah ﷻ are those that express devotion to Him, such as ʿAbdullāh and ʿAbd al-Raḥmān. Following that, the names of the Prophets (peace be upon them), like Muḥammad or Ibrāhīm, are highly encouraged. Names of righteous figures, such as Maryam or ʿĀʾishah, are also beautiful!

Choose your child’s name with love, care, and intention — it is a gift that stays with them for life.

Adhān and Iqāmah

It is recommended to recite the adhān (call to prayer) and iqāmah (call to commence prayer) soon after a baby is born. In the Hanafi school, it is considered virtuous (mustaḥabb) to say the adhān aloud near the baby, though it is not obligatory nor a formal sunnah. The person giving the adhān should turn their face to the right at ḥayya ʿalaṣ-ṣalāh and to the left at ḥayya ʿala-l-falāḥ, just as is done in the regular call to prayer.

In the Mālikī, Shāfiʿī, and Ḥanbalī schools, it is considered sunnah to give the adhān in the right ear of the newborn and the iqāmah in the left ear.

One of the key pieces of wisdom behind this act is that the first words the child hears in this world are the glorification of Allah ﷻ. We pray that they live their life responding to His call.

Taḥnīk, a sweet welcome

Taḥnīk involves gently placing a softened piece of date on the newborn’s palate. It is narrated that when babies were brought to the Prophet ﷺ, he would soften a date in his mouth and place it on the roof of the baby’s mouth. However, note that this is recommended, not obligatory, and there is no harm if it’s missed.

Asmaʾ (RA) said that she became pregnant with ʿAbdullāh ibn al-Zubayr (RA) while in Makkah, and she said: “…I came to Allah’s Messenger (may peace he upon him). He placed him (the child) in his lap and then commanded for the dates to be brought. He chewed them and then put the saliva in his mouth. The first thing which went into his stomach was the saliva of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ). He then rubbed his palate with dates and then invoked blessings for him and blessed him. He was the first child who was born in Islam (after Migration).” [Muslim]

Ideally, a date should be used. If a date is not available, any other natural sweet substance (such as honey) may be used instead. The date should be slightly softened — enough to gently rub a small amount onto the newborn’s upper palate.

Taḥnīk can be performed by a parent or by someone known for their righteousness and knowledge, such as a scholar or elder. This practice carries the hope that the child will embody these qualities, growing in faith, goodness, and upright character.

Circumcision (males only)

Circumcision is a recognised practice in Islam and part of the natural human state (fiṭrah). It is seen as both a hygienic and spiritual act. Removing the foreskin helps prevent infection by reducing the build-up of bacteria, and it also aligns with the Islamic idea of purification and cleanliness from birth.

In the Ḥanafi school, it is considered an emphasised sunnah for boys. In the Shāfiʿī and Ḥanbali schools, it is viewed as obligatory.

While there is no fixed day, some scholars recommend performing it within the first week of birth, as it may be gentler and easier for the child. Others prefer to do it slightly later in childhood. Both are valid and acceptable.

Parents should take care to choose a safe, supportive medical environment and allow space for the child to heal and recover gently.

Shaving the head

According to majority of schools, shaving the baby’s head on the seventh day is recommended or considered a sunnah for boys. The hair is then weighed, and its equivalent value in silver or gold is given in charity. The hair is also buried. Note that in the Ḥanafī school, shaving the baby’s head is considered permissible. It’s allowed if one chooses to do it, but there’s no religious obligation to do so, and no harm if it’s left out.

“Every boy is pledged by his ‘Aqiqah, so slaughter for him on the seventh day, and shave his head, and name him” [Ibn Majah].

Scholars differ when it comes to girls. The Ḥanafī, Mālikī, and Shāfiʿī schools extend the ḥadīth to shaving the girl’s hair too. However, the Ḥanbalī school view that this applies specifically to boys.

ʿAqīqah

The ʿaqīqah is the act of sacrificing an animal out of gratitude for a newborn. It’s a joyful way to mark the occasion, often shared with loved ones over food.

In the Ḥanafi school, the ʿaqīqah is considered permissible but not a sunnah. It carries no obligation or blame if left out. Though some later Ḥanafi scholars noted that performing it with a sincere intention, to thank Allah and feed others, is a rewardable act. However, in the Mālikī, Shāfiʿī, and Ḥanbalī schools, the ʿaqīqah is seen as an emphasised sunnah, and highly encouraged on the seventh day after birth.

Whether or not you choose to offer the ʿaqīqah, let your intention be sincere. If you do it, make it an act of worship, a way to give thanks to Allah, share with others, and start your child’s journey with generosity and barakah.

Final thoughts

As you welcome your child, may this moment be filled with joy. These acts are here to mark such a beautiful beginning with intention and faith.

That said, in some cultures, these practices are often treated as obligatory, even when families may struggle financially or feel pressured to meet expectations. When rituals are done to impress others or uphold superstition, their spiritual purpose can be lost. A meaningful sunnah can start to feel like a burden.

If you ever find yourself facing family pressure, know that it’s okay to take a step back. What matters most is your famil. Cultivate a grateful heart, sincere intentions, and uphold the sacred rights of your child.

May Allah ﷻ bless your family, make them a coolness to your eyes, and raise them among the righteous.