Birth

The birth of a new baby is a very special occasion and is rejoiced and celebrated by all communities and cultures. Among Muslims, one of the first things a baby would hear is the Adhan, the call to prayer, as it is whispered to a new born. The Prophet Muhammad would rub a tiny amount of something sweet onto the baby’s gums. Some people think of this as the sweetness of faith. It also encourages the baby to start sucking so that they can drink milk.

After a few days (sometimes one week) there is a big celebration called an aqiqah. The baby’s head is usually shaved and according to some traditions the weight of its hair in silver is given to the poor. A name is also chosen for the baby and this could happen before or after birth, sometime being announced at the aqiqah.