Learn To Take Care Of Your Children - 102

WHEN A CHILD IS BORN

It is indeed a joyous occasion when parents are blessed with a child. And the extent of the joy could be enhanced even further if the laws of Shari'ah are adhered to and all other meaningless rituals are cast aside. Welcoming the child into his/her worldly life has already been taught - clearly by Rasulullah SAW. For immense spiritual benefit, we follow what has been prescribed, and leave anything contrevening from culture.

After birth the child should be given proper ghusl (bath). Thereafter the message of the Greatness and Oneness of Allah Ta'ala, and the prophethood of Rasulullah SAW should be the first words to reach the child's innocent ears. This should be accomplished by giving Azaan near his right ear and Iqamah close to his left. This noble task should be the prerogative of an Aalim or a pious elder of the family. If such a person is not at hand then any Muslim male may perform this Sunnah.


DU'AS ON THIS BLESSED OCCASSION

It is recommended Sunnah to recite the following du'a after the Azaan and Iqamah:

Allaahumma innee a'uudhuhaa bika wa dhurriyyatihaa min ash-shaytaani ar-rajeem.

O Allah, I seek your protection for her and her descendants from the cursed Shaytaan.

Note: For boys read "A'oodhuhu" and "wa dhurriyatuhu'.

After that, proceed with Surah Al-Ikhlas - "Qul Huwallaahu Ahad etc."

Then proceed:

Allahumma ij'alhu barran taqiyyan. Wa anbit-hu fil Islaam nabaatan hasanaa.

For girls read:

Allahumma ij'alhaa barran taqiyyan. Wa anbit-haa fil Islaam nabaatan hasanaa.

O Allah, make him/her pious and Godfearing and let him/her grow up in Islam to his/her excellent growth.

Then continue:

Allaahumma allimhul kitaaba wal hikma wafiqqih-hu fi ddeen.

For girls read:

Allaahumma allimhal kitaaba wal hikma wafiqqih-ha fi ddeen.

O Allah, teach him/her the Qur'an and wisdom and give him/her the understanding in Deen.