The word “Tahnik” (تحنيك) is already an Arabic term, which refers to the Islamic tradition of rubbing a softened date or sweet substance on the palate of a newborn baby.
Tahnik is an Islamic tradition performed for a newborn baby, usually within the first few days or hours after birth. The practice involves softening a date or any other sweet food and rubbing a small amount of it on the baby’s palate (upper part of the mouth). This is done to provide the baby with their first taste of something sweet and is believed to have numerous spiritual and health benefits.
The Tahnik is a Sunnah (recommended practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who used to perform it for newborn babies in his community. It is considered a way to follow the Prophet’s example and seek blessings for the newborn child.
The steps involved in Tahnik are as follows:
- Choose a pious person: It is recommended to choose a pious person, preferably someone with knowledge of Islam, to perform the Tahnik. In some cases, the baby’s father, a family member, or a close friend may perform the ritual.
- Naming the child: While it is not a mandatory part of the Tahnik ceremony, the occasion is often used as an opportunity to announce the baby’s name. In Islam, it is recommended to choose a meaningful and positive name for the child.
- Soften the date: A date or any other sweet food is softened, typically by chewing it lightly. If a date is not available, honey or any other sweet substance can be used as a substitute.
- Rub the softened date on the baby’s palate: The person performing the Tahnik gently rubs the softened date on the baby’s palate with their finger. This is usually done with the right index finger, as using the right hand is considered the Sunnah.
- Pray for the baby: After performing the Tahnik, it is recommended to pray for the baby’s well-being, health, and guidance.
A common dua that can be recited during Tahnik or any other time for the well-being of a child is:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَيْهِ وَارْزُقْهُ وَأَعِنْهُ عَلَى الْخَيْرِ وَالطَّاعَةِ وَاجْعَلْهُ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Transliteration: Allahumma barik ‘alayhi wa-rzukhu wa-a’inhu ‘ala al-khayri wa al-ta’ati wa-j’alhu mina al-saliheen.
Translation: O Allah, bless him, provide for him, and help him in goodness and obedience, and make him among the righteous.
This dua can be adjusted according to the gender of the child (e.g., changing “him” to “her” if it’s a girl). Keep in mind that there isn’t a specific prayer for Tahnik, and individual supplications may vary. It is always encouraged to make sincere and heartfelt prayers for the well-being and guidance of the newborn child and their family.
While Tahnik is not a compulsory practice in Islam, it is a beautiful tradition that signifies the beginning of a newborn’s life and seeks Allah’s blessings for the baby.
