Islamic
Birth Attendants
Muslim women tend to prefer all-female attendants at the birth, whether they be doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, or female relatives. However, it is permissible in Islam for male doctors to attend to a pregnant woman.
Call to Prayer (Adhan)
The practice of regular prayer is the most fundamental practice in Islam. Muslim prayer, which is performed five times a day, can be performed almost anywhere. It is also the first words the Muslim baby will hear. The father or a family elder will whisper these words in the baby's ear shortly after its birth.
Circumcision
Islam prescribes male circumcision with the sole purpose of facilitating cleanliness.
Breastfeeding
Muslim women are encouraged to give their children the nourishment of breast milk.
Aqeeqah
To celebrate a child's birth, it is recommended that a father slaughter one or two animals (sheep or goats). One third of the meat is given away to the poor, and the rest shared in a community meal.
Shaving the Head
It is traditional, but not required, for parents to shave the hair of their newborn child on the seventh day after birth. The hair is weighed, and an equivalent amount in silver or gold is donated to the poor.
Naming the Child
One of the very first duties that parents have toward a new child, besides physical care and love, is to give the child a meaningful Muslim name.
Visitors
The new mothers traditionally get many happy visitors.
Muslim women tend to prefer all-female attendants at the birth, whether they be doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, or female relatives. However, it is permissible in Islam for male doctors to attend to a pregnant woman.
Call to Prayer (Adhan)
The practice of regular prayer is the most fundamental practice in Islam. Muslim prayer, which is performed five times a day, can be performed almost anywhere. It is also the first words the Muslim baby will hear. The father or a family elder will whisper these words in the baby's ear shortly after its birth.
Circumcision
Islam prescribes male circumcision with the sole purpose of facilitating cleanliness.
Breastfeeding
Muslim women are encouraged to give their children the nourishment of breast milk.
Aqeeqah
To celebrate a child's birth, it is recommended that a father slaughter one or two animals (sheep or goats). One third of the meat is given away to the poor, and the rest shared in a community meal.
Shaving the Head
It is traditional, but not required, for parents to shave the hair of their newborn child on the seventh day after birth. The hair is weighed, and an equivalent amount in silver or gold is donated to the poor.
Naming the Child
One of the very first duties that parents have toward a new child, besides physical care and love, is to give the child a meaningful Muslim name.
Visitors
The new mothers traditionally get many happy visitors.