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NAMES
FOR MUSLIM CHILDREN
by
Mawlana Ahmad Muhammad Hathurani
INTRODUCTION
(1)
Allah
Ta’ala says in the noble Qur’aan:
Today have I perfected for you your religion and have
completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as
your religion … (Maaida)
Verily
the religion with Allah (true, genuine and acceptable by
Allah) is Islam … (Aali Imraan)
In
the first mentioned Aayat, Allah Ta’ala refers to Islam as a
perfect as a ‘perfect’ and ‘complete’ religion which
Allah Ta’ala has ‘chosen’ for us. In the second verse He
has referred to it as the ‘only’ religion acceptable by
Him. Since Islam is as mentioned by Allah Ta’ala, it is the
bounded duty of every Muslim to ensure the upbringing of his
children in strict fashions concocted by the West … with
which even the West today has become disillusioned and
disenchanted.
The
choice is entirely ours: either we rear children who will be a
credit to their Deen, comfort to their families and a boon to
society: or by slavishly adhering to the trash passed of as
‘modern’ and ‘fashionable’, we will reap untold heart
break when these children, after reaching adolescence, prove
rebellious and disobedient for both, their families and
society at large.
If
we are desirous of children imbued with true Islamic spirit
then we must mould our lives strictly in accordance with the
Noorani teachings of our beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) so that from the very beginning of
conception, our children will be blessed with the Noor and
true spirit of Islam.
THE
EXPECTANT MOTHER ... ADVICE TO HER
It is irrefutable that the mother's proper nourishment has
a telling effect on the health of the yet-to-be-born child. In
the like manner the spiritual nourishment of the mother is no
less important. If the mother is desirous of an obedient,
pious and spiritually healthy child - and which Muslim parent
isn't? - she has no choice but to think and act in a manner
which will manifest the luminous spirit of Islaam. She will
have to spend, much time offering her devotions to Allah by
performing salaat, making dhikr, reciting the Holy Qur'aan
etc. This will have a two-fold result: the mother will remain
spiritually and mentally healthy and at the same time the
child will be inheriting piety, good manners and many other
angelic qualities - insha-Allah.
It
is no wonder then that these angelic qualities are often
manifested in the infancy of many a great personality. It is
said of some Auliyaa-Allah that they were born with certain
portions of the Holy Qur'aan already imprinted in their
memory. Others even refused to drink the milk of their mother
during the holy month of Ramadaan.
Here
is an authentic incident mentioned in the Bukhari and Muslim
to substantiate that the acts of virtue of parents certainly
have positive effects on their progenies for generations to
come.
Aboo
Talbah (RA), a companion of Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi
Wasallam), had a son who had fallen gravely ill. During that
period the father had to leave home for a number of days on an
important errand, leaving the child to the care of the mother.
Whilst away, the sickness caused the death of the child.
The
mother beseeched the people not to inform her husband even
when he returned. When he returned his very first enquiry was
about his son. She answered that he (their son) is presently
in a more comfortable state than that which he had been in ...
meaning that death had rendered him peace and comfort. By this
answer the husband understood that he had recuperated. She
then offered him his supper which he ate with relish. The good
wife then even adorned herself as best she could which filled
him with passionate feelings. When she saw that his needs had
been tended to then only did she disclose to him the death of
their son. This stark news proved a severe blow to him. He was
annoyed and overcome with intense grief ... that she had not
disclosed to him the child's fate earlier, and, instead
allowed him to perform an act which necessitates Ghusl.
At
daybreak he approached Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi
Wasallam) and related to him what had transpired during the
night. Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) intently
asked him whether they had copulated. When he answered in the
affirmative, he blessed them by saying: "O Allah, grant
them blessings for what had transpired during the night."
A male issue was born of them whose Tahneek was done by
Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). He named him
"Abdullah". When Abdullah grew up and married, Allah
Ta'ala blessed him with nine children, all of whom became
huffaaz of the holy Qur'aan and learned ulama of their time.
This overwhelming attainment can only be attributed to the
acts of virtue of the grandmother of these Ulama.
It
becomes apparent from the above incident that acts of virtue
of parents not only have a telling effect on their children
but also on heir progenies for generations to come.
WHEN
A CHILD IS BORN...
It is indeed a joyous occasion when parents are blessed
with a child. However, the extent of the joy could be enhanced
even further if the laws of Shariat are adhered to and all
other meaningless rituals are cast aside since they are
neither mentioned in the Holy Qur'aan nor cited in the Hadeeth.
After
birth the child should be given proper ghusl. Thereafter the
message of the Greatness and Oneness of Allah Ta'ala, and the
prophethood of Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam)
should be the first words to reach the child's innocent ears.
This should be accomplished by giving azaan near his right ear
and iqaamat close to his left. This noble task should be the
prerogative of an aalim or a pious elder of the family. If
such a person is not at hand then any Muslim male may perform
this sunnah.
DU'AAS
ON THIS BLESSED OCCASION
It is mustahab to recite the following duaa after the
azaan and iqaamat:
Allaahumma
innee a'oodhuhaa bika wa dhurriyyatihaa min ash-shaytaani
ar-rajeem
0
Allah, I seek your protection for her and her descendants from
the cursed Shaytaan.
Note:
For boys read "A'oodhuhu" and "wa dhurriyatuhu'
Surah
Qul Huwallaahu Ahad
In
the name of Allah, most Beneficient, most Merciful. Say! He is
Allah, the One. Allah is one on whom depends the entire
creation and He depends on no one. He begetteth not, nor is He
begotten. And there is bone akin to Him.
Allahumma
ij'alhu barran taqiyyan. Wa anbit-hu fil Islaam nabaatan
hasanaa
For
girls read:
Allahumma
ij'alhaa barran taqiyyan. Wa anbit-haa fil Islaam nabaatan
hasanaa
O
Allah, make him/her pious and Godfearing and let him/her grow
up in Islaam to his/her excellent growth.
Allaahumma
allimhul kitaaba wal hikma wafiqqih-hu fi ddeen.
For
girls read:
Allaahumma
allimhal kitaaba wal hikma wafiqqih-ha fi ddeen.
O
Allah, teach him/her the Qur'aan and wisdom and give him/her
the understanding in Deen.
TAHNEEK
Tahneek
means the placing of a piece of date, softened by chewing, on
the palate of the new-born. The practice of tahneek is masnoon
since Rasoolullah sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam made the tahneek
of Abdullah bin Zubair (RA) and Abdullah bin Talhah (RA).
Unfortunately this practice of tahneek is rarely acted upon in
modern times. The reward of reviving a 'dying' sunnah of
Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) is boundless. Here
again, this should be the prerogative of a learned aalim or a
pious elder of the family. Otherwise any Muslim male would
suffice. If dates are not available, honey should serve as an
ideal substitute.
PRECAUTION
AGAINST MISFORTUNE
In order to safeguard children against misfortune, the
following du'aa should be recited as often as possible and
'blown' on the child:
A'oodhu
bikalimaati llaahi attaammaati min sharri kulli shaytaani
wahammaati wa min sharri kulli ayni laammati
I
seek protection by the perfect words of Allah from the evil of
every devil and reptile, and from the evil of every revengeful
eye.
Aayatul-Kursi
and the four Quls may also be recited and "blown" on
the child.
THE
AFTERBIRTH AND NAVAL-CORD
The afterbirth and naval-cord should be buried with due
care since they are portions of the human body. As such, it
should be treated with respect and honour. Disposing it in the
drain or garbage is contrary to this concept. It is for this
reason, too, that the dead body of a human being may not be
cremated or abandoned in a pit for vultures and other animals
to devour it...as is customary among the people of other
religions.
FEEDING
As the infant is the offspring of its mother it is common
knowledge that the mother's milk is the most suitable source
of nourishment for the baby. Therefore, the mother should most
obligingly fulfil her duty of breast-feeding the child. By so
doing bonds of love, affection and intimacy are strengthened
between mother and child, and in the process, good habits and
character are transmitted to the child. All these and
countless other benefits are contained in breast-feeding.
Artificial methods of feeding are all devoid of these
advantages. Other methods of feeding should only be resorted
to if ill health or other circumstances do not permit her to
breast-feed the child. However, she must ensure that no haraam
food is consumed by the child. Bismillah should always be
recited before feeding.
MAXIMUM
PERIOD FOR BREAST-FEEDING
The maximum period for which a child could be breast-fed
is two years. To exceed this period is not permissible since
the use of any part of the human body, without necessity, is
not allowed. The milk of the mother is portion of the human
body and there is no necessity to feed the child for more than
two years. Therefore not to wean the child after the
permissible period is Haraam.
THE
CHILD'S ATTIRE
Muslim males may not adorn themselves with clothes of silk
or any red and bright orange (saffron) colour. Neither gold
nor silver ornaments. Adornment is characteristic of
womanhood.
Parents
should also ensure that children dress in an honourable and
modest manner - never immitating the ostentatious styles that
may be in vogue. Due to the incorrect concept of 'freedom' and
'broadmindedness', parents allow their children to dress and
act in a manner they wish. This eventually results in
problematic, rebellious and disobedient children who in
adolescent stages cause parents and society untold heartbreak
and much anxiety.
HAIR,
AQEEQAH AND NAMING THE CHILD
It is mustahab to remove the baby's hair and to observe
the aqeeqah and to name the child on the seventh day after
birth. Gold or silver equivalent to the weight of the removed
hair may be given as charity to the poor. Otherwise its
equivalent value in money. The hair, being a portion of the
human body should be buried with due respect. Aqeeqah is a
form of sadaqah whereby the child is safeguarded against
misfortunes. Two sheep or two goats are offered for a boy
while one goat or sheep suffices for a girl. If the seventh
day coincides with the days of qurbaani then portions of a
cow, ox or camel may be offered as qurbaani and portions as
aqeeqah.
KHATNAH
OR CIRCUMCISSION
Circumcision before seven years is mustahab. The baby's health
must be taken into consideration before deciding on khatnah.
However, khatnah before he attains twelve years is imperative.
WHEN
THE CHILD BEGINS TO TALK
The child should first be taught to say the kalimah when
he begins to talk: Laa ilaaha illallaahu muhammadun
Rasoolullah
EDUCATION
AND GOOD MANNERS
Islaam lays considerable emphasis on education and good
character. It is the children's rightful claim to be given
sound Islaamic education and taught good manners. This will
not only afford the children happiness in both the worlds, but
they will prove great assets to both, their families and
society as well. This is why Rasoolullah
sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam declared good manners as the 'best
thing' a father can impart to his children. He also declared
the mother as the 'shepherdess' of the household which implies
that she is responsible for the correct upbringing of her
children.
WHAT
PARENTS OWE THEIR CHILDREN
1. SELF-ESTEEM: Parents owe their children personal worth
and self-esteem which are the cornerstones for sound mental
health. A child who is constantly criticised, "put
down", reproached, made to feel stupid and inept,
continually compared with brothers or cousins who do better,
will become so unsure and so terrified that he or she will
lose enthusiasm for learning and becoming successful.
2.
PRAISING THE CHILD AND EXPRESSING LOVE: A child needs to be
praised every now and again for his achievements and good
behaviour. Some parents find it difficult to voice their
approval or praise the child. However, there are other modes
of expressing approval as well - a smile, caress or a kiss
will convey approval. All these acts of love are very
essential for producing children who are healthy in mind and
body. It is for this reason that our Shari'ah lays
considerable stress on showing love and affection to children.
Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said that one who
does not have mercy on our children and does not respect our
elders, is not from among us.
3.
EQUALITY: Parents should always treat their children
equitably. Children tend to grow miserable, lose confidence,
become discouraged and resentful if parents show favoritism
towards a particular child. It is related by Hadhrat Aa'i'shah
(RA) that once she offered a date to a lady beggar who was
accompanied by her two daughters. The lady shared the date
between her two daughters, depriving herself of a share. Then
she departed. When Rasoolullah sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam
came home, she related to him the incident. He said:
"Whoever is "involved" with any daughters, and
he treats them well (equitably), this will serve as a
protection for him from the Fire."
4.
BASIC ISLAMIC EDUCATION: It is the duty of every parent to
ensure that his children have basic Islamic education which
covers aqaa'id or Islamic beliefs, the five principles of
Islaam, the rules and masaa'il pertaining to these five
principles and the correct recital of the Holy Qur'aan.
5.
STANDARDS AND VALUES: Decent standards and solid values should
also be taught to the child. This means being respectful to
parents, elders, the Ulama, teachers and just laws.
CLEANLINESS
AND OTHER NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS Sharia't has termed
cleanliness half of Imaan. As such the mother Should
personally accomplish all maternal devotions such as feeding,
bathing and keeping the child clean and 'paak.' Soiled clothes
must be cleaned without delay so that the danger of bacteria
spreading is nipped in the bud. Thus, barakah and happiness
will abound. The baby should also be immunized against
infantile diseases. This does not, however, imply lack of
faith and reliance in Allah.
Cont'd
... 2
Last modified:
July 19, 2007
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