A newborn is a blessing from Allah. What can parents do to express gratitude for such a blessing? There are some acts of worship that parents can do.
Among them are tahnik and tahliq. What is tahnik and tahliq for baby in Islam? Below, we explain the meanings of and how to perform these sacred practices.
What Is Tahnik?
Tahnik is the practice of feeding the baby with something sweet (usually a small piece of date, but can also be another sweet thing). It is a tradition established by the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Tahnik is still observed by Muslims from around the world today.
During the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Muslims would bring their newborn babies to him and he would perform tahnik upon them.
How to Perform Tahnik
The outline of tahnik is as follows.
1. A date is soften by chewing it.
2. A small amount of the date is placed on a finger.
3. The date is rubbed on the baby’s palate.
4. A supplication is made for the baby.
Ideally, tahnik is performed by a pious and righteous person. That said, it is permissible for any Muslim to perform tahnik. Usually, it is performed by the baby’s parent or any trusted person.
While dates are the traditional choice for tahnik as it is the direct example of the Prophet (peace be upon him), another sweet thing like honey may be used if dates are unavailable.
What Is Tahliq?
What is tahnik and tahliq for baby in Islam? We have already explained what tahnik is. So let’s move on to tahliq. What is tahliq? It is the practice of shaving the newborn baby’s head. Tahliq symbolizes purification and the beginning of the child’s life.
Tahliq is also an act of charity as the parents weigh the hair and give to charity accordingly. Like tahnik, tahliq is an early birth ritual and tradition in Islam established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
How to Perform Tahliq
1. The baby’s head is shaved completely on the seventh day after birth.
2. The hair is collected and weighed.
3. Make a donation equals to the weight of the hair in silver.
While both practices are not obligatory, tahnik and tahliq are recommended. If you are afraid to shave your little one’s hair, you can have an experienced person perform it on your behalf.
There are plenty of tahnik and tahliq service providers. They can help you perform these practices properly and conveniently.
When Should These Practices Be Performed?
Now you know the answer to “What is tahnik and tahliq for baby in Islam?” The next question is, when should tahnik and tahliq be performed?
Ideally, tahnik is performed as soon as possible after birth. On the other hand, the ideal time to perform tahliq is on the seventh day after birth. Oftentimes, tahliq is performed alongside other recommended (sunnah) practices such as aqiqah and naming the baby.
FAQs Tahnik and Tahliq for Baby in Islam
What is Tahnik?
Tahnik is a tradition where a small amount of something sweet, like a softened date or honey, is rubbed onto a newborn baby's palate.
What is Tahliq?
Tahliq is the practice of shaving the newborn baby's head. It symbolizes purification and is also an act of charity.
Are Tahnik and Tahliq mandatory?
No, both practices are recommended in Islam, but they are not obligatory for parents to perform.
Conclusion
So, what is tahnik and tahliq for baby in Islam? Tahnik is the practice of applying something sweet (usually a date) to a baby’s palate and tahliq is the practice of shaving a baby’s hair. A trusted service provider like Al Fajr can help you perform these practices properly and conveniently.
You can have peace of mind knowing that your baby’s tahnik and tahliq are performed by a professional with a caring touch.
Al Fajr offers various services, including tahnik and tahliq, aqiqah, and placenta burial, for both baby boy and baby girl.
The fee for tahnik and tahliq service starts from $150 SGD. There are also a lot of add on services to meet your faith-centered needs. Interested in performing tahnik and tahliq for your baby? Contact Al Fajr now.
