C) The best names are the names of the holy prophets...

C) The best names are the names of the holy prophets, the infallibles and religious figures in Islam, and the best of all is the name Muhammad. D) For those who Allah Almighty has granted four sons, it is blameworthy if they do not name one of them Muhammad. E) Choosing a name for a child should be done before its birth, and if it is not known what the sex of the newborn is, they may choose a name which is appropriate to both.

Of course, there is no problem in changing the name after the delivery. F) It is recommended that after a boy is born to name him Muhammad for the first seven days, and then the parents may choose any other name they wish. G) Certain names like Muhammad and Fatimah have special rights and respect that must be observed because of their connection with great Islamic characters.

H) There are some names that are reprehensible ( makruh ) because they symbolized the wrong and injustice, like: Shahab, Hariq, Hubab, Kalb, Firar, Harb, and Zalim. I) It is reprehensible to put names that indicate pride, or something that’s negation in a conversation is considered as a bad omen, such as: Mubarak – the blessed, in which its negation is ‘the unblessed’.

J) The names that are befitting only to Allah, the Exalted, (like Quddus, Hakam, and Khaliq) should not be used as the name of someone, to which some jurists have considered this as prohibited. 6- Shaving the Newborn’s Head It is a recommended act to shave the hair on the head of a newborn on the seventh day after the birth and donate its equal weight in gold or silver for charity, and there is no difference as to whether the newborn is a girl or a boy.

7- To Offer a Sacrifice for the Newborn Performing a ‘Aqiqah is the sacrificing of a sheep (10) to feed people upon the birth of a child (11). The things that must be observed in this regard are: A) To offer a sacrifice for a child is a highly recommended act, and some jurists (12) have even considered it obligatory. B) It is recommended that the offering for a boy should be a male sheep and for a girl a female sheep.

C) The time of sacrifice is to be done on the seventh day after the birth, and if it is delayed any time after that it will still remain as a recommended practice. If the parents did not perform the ‘Aqiqah for the child, it is recommended that the child himself does so when he becomes mature.