The Sunnah Guide to Making Dua for a Newborn

The birth of a child is a momentous occasion filled with joy, gratitude, and hope for the future. Other Muslim brothers should also share in the happiness of the parents and pray for the child’s health, well-being, and blessings. In Islam, this special event is accompanied by various recommended duas (supplications) and Sunnah practices that not only to making dua for a newborn’s blessings but also serve as a mean of strengthening his bond with Allah from the very beginning of life. These prophetic duas practices highlight the importance of spiritual well-being and set the foundation for a blessed life.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the Sunnah way to make a dua for a newborn, the significance behind these practices, and the steps parents are encouraged to take following the birth of their child. From the adhan (call to prayer) in the baby’s ear to the Aqiqah sacrifice, each act carries profound meaning and reflects the Islamic emphasis on gratitude, protection, and blessings for the newborn and the family. Let’s delve into the beautiful traditions and timeless wisdom that Islam offers in welcoming a new life into the world.

The Sunnah Way of Making Dua for a Newborn

Making a dua for a newborn is a cherished tradition that holds deep spiritual meaning. According to the Sunnah, there are specific guidelines to follow when making a dua for a newborn baby, ensuring that this act of worship is both sincere and effective.

It is narrated from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari that when a son was born to him, he took the child to the Prophet PBUH. The Prophet PBUH named the child Ibrahim, chewed a date and performed Tahnik, and prayed for his well-being and blessings. He then returned the child to Abu Musa. This son was the eldest of Abu Musa’s children. [Bukhari: 5510]

Dua for New Born Baby in Islam

جَعَلَہُ اللَّہُ مُبَارَکًا عَلَیْکَ وَعَلَی أُمَّۃِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّی اللَّہُ عَلَیْہِ وَسَلَّمَ

“May Allah make it blessed for you and for the Ummah of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).”

This dua for a newborn is referred from Al-Tabarani, Hadith number: 872, and graded as authentic (sahih).

” بَارَکَ اللَّہُ لَکَ فِی الـمَوْہُوبِ لَکَ، وَشَکَرْتَ الوَاہِبَ، وبَلَغَ أشُدَّہُ، وَرُزِقْتَ بِرَّہُ“

“May Allah bless your children, make them strong, grant you their goodness, and enable you to be grateful.”

Dua for New Born Baby Health

“When a child was born in the family of  Ummul Mumineen Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), she would not ask whether it was a boy or a girl. Instead, she would ask if the baby was born healthy. If she was told that it was, she would say:

الحمدُ ﷲ ربِّ العالمینَ

[Al Adab ul Mufrid: 951]

Dua for Newborn for his Righteousness

A prayer of blessing by the Prophet Muhammad PBUH is mentioned through Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him). Upon the birth of a child, the Prophet PBUH instructed Anas to go to his mother and recite the following prayer:

بَارَکَ اللَّہُ لَکِ فِیہِ، وَجَعَلَہُ بَرًّا تَقِیًّا

“May Allah bless you in him, and make him righteous and pious.” (Musnad al-Bazzar, Hadith: 7310)

Additionally, it is recommended that one may also recite any of the Prophetic duas that include blessings for children, such as:

اللہم أکثِرْ مالَہ، وولدَہ، وبارِکْ لہ فیما أعطَیتَہ

“O Allah, increase his wealth and his children, and bless him in what You have given him.” [Sahih al-Bukhari: 6344]

Sunnah things to do when a baby is born in Islam

• Perform Tahnik by placing a small amount of something sweet, such as dates or honey, in the baby’s mouth.
• Offer dua for a newborn’s health and future.
• Choose and give the baby a good name.
• Recite the Adhan in the baby’s right ear and the Iqamah in the left ear.
• Carry out Aqiqah by sacrificing an animal.
• Shave the baby’s head.

The Power of Dua

One should pray to Allah for righteous children, and once blessed with children, continue prayers for blessings of children, as prayers have an impact. Just as a person prays for their own children, they should also pray for the children of other Muslims. This is a practical expression of kindness and love, and such prayers become a source of goodness for others while also bringing reward to the one who prays.

Mu’awiyah bin Qurrah (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated that when my son Iyas was born, I invited some of the companions of the Prophet PBUH on a feast. After the meal they made supplications, I said, ‘Indeed, you have prayed, and I ask Allah to bless your supplication. Now, if I make a supplication, I ask you to say Ameen. Then I prayed extensively for his religion, intellect, and other matters.’ He further stated: ‘Indeed, I see the effects of those prayers in my son today.'” (Sahih al-Adab al-Mufrad: 950)

Don’t Curse Your Children

I would like to bring an important point to your attention. A father’s prayer for his children is accepted, so one should never curse his children, as even that curse could be accepted. It is always best to pray for their well-being and success.

Conclusion

Making dua for a newborn is a sunnah practice. Some of the duas for newborn, that have been recited are weak, acknowledging their weakness, there is no harm in occasionally reciting, since they contain no harmful meaning. However, extravagance should be avoided on such occasions, whether in the form of lavish invitations or engaging in un-Islamic practices such as music, or imitating non-believers in expressions of joy. Similarly, rejoicing over the birth of a boy and feeling sad or taking bad omens over the birth of a girl is the not the custom of the believers.

Incorporating the Sunnah of making a dua for a newborn into your daily routine is a meaningful way to begin your child’s life with faith and devotion. By following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), you can seek Allah’s blessings and protection for your child, fostering a strong spiritual foundation from the start.