Welcoming a newborn into the world is a joyous occasion in any culture, but in Islam, it also comes with beautiful sunnahs and traditions. As new Muslim parents, understanding what to prepare and when to perform these rituals can help you stay organized during this emotional and spiritual time. Whether you’re planning your baby's aqiqah and tahnik in Singapore, or just starting to learn about the process, this checklist will guide you through every step.
What is Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is the Islamic tradition of sacrificing livestock to express gratitude for the birth of a child. It is a sunnah muakkadah (highly recommended practice) usually done on the seventh day after the child’s birth.
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For a baby boy: two goats or sheep
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For a baby girl: one goat or sheep
The meat is then distributed to the poor, family, friends, and some kept for the household. It is also customary to shave the baby's hair and donate the equivalent weight in silver to charity.
What is Tahnik?
Tahnik is a beautiful prophetic tradition where a small piece of softened date is rubbed onto the newborn’s gums, ideally by a righteous person or scholar. It is one of the first acts done for a baby in Islam and symbolizes blessings and connection to the Sunnah.
In tahnik Singapore practices, many families still follow this tradition and may invite an ustaz or imam to perform it along with a dua for the baby. With Alfajr, Newborn Package everything is done for your from placenta burial, performing aqiqah, and ustaz will come to do tahnik and tahlik at your home.
Essential Aqiqah and Tahnik Checklist for New Parents
1. Understand the Timing
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Aqiqah and Tahnik are ideally performed on the 7th day after birth.
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If missed, Aqiqah can still be done later.
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Tahnik is ideally done soon after birth, but still valid in the early days.
2. Arrange for the Sacrifice
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Look for vendors who:
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Are certified Halal
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Offer donation/distribution options
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Provide video/photo confirmation if done overseas
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Some providers also include tahnik and naming ceremony add-ons.
3. Plan the Ceremony
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Decide if you want a private family gathering or a larger event.
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Coordinate with an ustaz if you wish for him to perform the tahnik and naming.
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Prepare:
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Dua for newborn
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Shaving of hair (can be done at home or by a professional)
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Donation of hair weight in silver or cash equivalent to charity
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4. Prepare Aqiqah Meat Distribution
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Distribute meat in 3 parts:
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1/3 for charity
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1/3 for friends and neighbors
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1/3 for own use
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If you use an Aqiqah Singapore provider, ask about their distribution policy (some donate to orphanages or poor communities abroad).
5. Choose a Name
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Ideally done on the 7th day during the Aqiqah ceremony.
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Choose a name with good meaning.
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Avoid names with negative or inappropriate meanings.
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Many Muslim families now combine aqiqah and tahnik Singapore style with a naming ceremony and doa selamat gathering.
6. Document the Day
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Capture this special milestone through photography or journaling.
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Keep your baby's tahnik date, aqiqah date, hair weight, and name meaning recorded.
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Some Islamic centers or vendors also provide a certificate of Aqiqah and Tahnik like Alfajr
Aqiqah and Tahnik in Singapore: Local Tips
Planning your baby's aqiqah and tahnik in Singapore can be easier with professional services. Here are some helpful tips:
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Compare package prices and what's included (livestock, delivery, photos, dua, etc.)
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Check for reviews and Islamic legitimacy (Halal certification)
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Plan early, especially if you want to host guests or hire an ustaz
Popular providers in Singapore also offer tahnik Singapore sessions where you can bring your baby and let the ustaz perform tahnik on-site or during community events.
Beyond Aqiqah and Tahnik: Other Sunnahs for Newborns
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Adhan and Iqamah: Reciting the call to prayer into the baby’s ears.
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Shaving the head: A spiritual practice of purity and humility.
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Charity: Giving in charity equal to the weight of the baby’s hair in silver.
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Circumcision (for boys): Recommended and typically done within the first few months.
Final Thoughts
Following the prophetic traditions of Aqiqah and Tahnik is not just about rituals. It’s a meaningful way to start your child’s journey with barakah (blessings). Whether you're choosing a simple home-based event or a professional Aqiqah and Tahnik Singapore service like Alfajr, the key is to do it with sincerity, knowledge, and love.
This checklist is a helpful companion for every new Muslim parent looking to balance tradition and practicality in the early days of parenthood.
