Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

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One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Assalamualeikum.I would be very grateful if you could shed some light on my question.What does the term "Performing sunnah on a new born child" mean and after how many days should it be done after the child has born?

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Answer:

Age Circumcision

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Your Question: What does the term "Performing sunnah on a new born child" mean

Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 2832 Narrated by Samurah ibn Jundub

The Prophet (saws) said: ‘A boy is in pledge for his Aqiqah, sacrifice is made for him on the seventh day, his head is shaved and he is given a name.’

Although the Sunnah of a new born child would mean to make a sacrifice, shave its head and assign an appropriate name for the new-born, what is generally meant and accepted when one says one wishes to ‘perform the sunnah on a new born baby boy’ is to perform the Sunnah of circumcision.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.779 Narrated byAbu Huraira

I heard the Prophet (saws) saying. "Five practices are characteristics of the Fitra (nature): circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, cutting the moustaches short, clipping the nails, and depilating the hair of the armpits."

Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 382 Narrated by Abu Ayyub

Allah's Messenger (saws) said: ‘There are four (and according to one narration, five) characteristics (which may be called) the Sunnah of (all) the Messengers of Allah: modesty, circumcision, the use of perfume, miswak and marriage.’

Your Question: after how many days should it be done after the child has born?

Although Islam has not specified a particular age or number of days after birth the circumcision of the baby boy should be performed, it is best done during the age of infancy or at an early age. Since Islam has not specified a specific time limit for circumcision, one may have it done as early as one’s birth or delay it till later as one wishes or is easy for them.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 4.575 Narrated by Abu Huraira

Allah's Messenger (saws) said, "Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) did his circumcision with an adze (a cutting instrument of the times) at the age of eighty (years)."

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan