C) This Islamic tradition indicates that the first sounds a...

C) This Islamic tradition indicates that the first sounds a baby hears play an important role in the nature of the child, and which also has many effects on his upbringing and future. 4- Feeding the Newborn for the First Time This means that it is recommended to mix a very small amount of the soil of Karbala with some water from the Euphrates[^6] and put in the newborn’s mouth.

The reason for doing so is that performing such an act will influence the child’s aspiration to seek truth, justice and love for Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), penetrating in newborn’s soul from the very beginning of his life, as has been mentioned in some traditions.[^7] The recommendation of other things like feeding the baby with rain water, warm water, dates and honey before anything else have also been mentioned in some traditions.

Therefore, if possible, it is better to combine and mix honey, dates and some rain water or water from the Euphrates and then given to the baby.[^8] This also indicates that the first food given to the newborn, like the first voices the newborn hears, play an effective role in the fate of the child. 5- Choosing a Good Name According to the traditions in Islam, choosing a good name for the newborn is considered as the first benevolent act the family performs for the child.

It is imperative that through the guidelines set out by the Leaders of Islam, Muslim families must choose the best names for their children. These statements of guidance are: A) Families can choose any good name for their child. B) The best names are those which indicate the servitude and relation of a person to his Creator. 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.[^9] 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.