When Should the Sunna Connected to a New-Born be Fulfilled?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question 

I understand that the newborn baby’s hair is Sunna to shave on the seventh day of his birth and the ‘aqiqa. But what if I would like to do his ‘aqiqa, Tahnik, and shave on the same day next month after I recover from my cesarean section operation? Is it still permissible for me to do so?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what is pleasing to Him. Amin.

The Sunnas of ‘aqiqa, shaving the hair and naming the child is recommended on the seventh day of birth. [Nawawi, al-Majmu’]

Though these are permissible at other times (especially if you have no options), they would not carry the same reward or “Sunna significance” as doing the acts on the prescribed (recommended day).

We advise that, if you can, you fulfill the Sunna as prescribed as it would be best for you, your baby, and the family, and Allah knows best.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan. 

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.