اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ فِيهِ وَأَصْلِحْهُ
O Allah, bless him and set him aright.
Allahumma barik feehi wa aslih-hu
When to Read
Tahneek is the practice of rubbing a small amount of a date (or another sweet substance) on the palate of a newborn baby shortly after birth. It is recommended to perform this act shortly after the baby is born, ideally by a righteous person who supplicates for the child.
How to Read
The person performing tahneek should chew a piece of a ripe date until it becomes soft and mushy. Then, they should gently rub a small amount of this paste on the roof of the newborn's mouth. While doing so, they should make the supplication for the child's blessings and righteousness. It is important to ensure only a small amount is used so as not to overwhelm the baby. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself performed tahneek for newborns.
Virtues & Benefits
The practice of tahneek is rooted in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is believed to bring blessings (barakah) to the child, strengthen their connection to the Ummah through this sweet sustenance, and invoke Allah's protection and guidance for them from the very beginning of their lives. The act itself is a beautiful way to start a child's life with remembrance of Allah and a prayer for their well-being. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'The date was brought to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and he said: 'Do you have the date of Medina?' They said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Did you bring it to me while they were still small?' They said: 'Yes.' So he took it and chewed it for the child and placed it on his palate.' (Sahih Muslim 2138).
Source & Authentication
It was narrated that Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) said: 'I had a boy, and I brought him to the Prophet (peace be upon him). He named him Ibrahim and performed Tahneek for him with a date and prayed for Allah's blessing for him. And he said: 'Abu Musa, you have been given the compassion of one of the family of 'Imran.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5467, Sahih Muslim 2138).