FORGOTTEN SUNNAH- TAHNEEK

FORGOTTEN SUNNAH- TAHNEEK

Over 1400 years ago When a child was born to one of the families of the Sahaba (the Companions of the Prophet) they would take the new born to the Prophet (peace and blessed be upon him) so that he would bless newborn, and apply the pulp of a date, chewed by him, to the child's palate. This 'tahneek' as it is known in 'Arabic', was to keep the child safe from evil. Therefore, similarly when a child is born into a Muslim family, it should be taken to a virtuous, pious person, so that this person may supplicate for the child and perform the tahneek. Tahneek is among those Sunan whose practice has become rare.

Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Apostle (may peace be upon him) said: Babies were brought to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and he blessed them, and after having chewed (something, e. g. dates or any other sweet thing) he rubbed there with their soft palates. A baby was brought to him and he passed water over him (over his garment), so he asked water to be brought and sprinkled it, but he did not wash it.
(Sahih Muslim Chapter No: 2, Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)
Hadith #560)

Today, BBC News has reported that "experts" have said - "A dose of sugar given as a gel rubbed into the inside of the cheek is a cheap and effective way to protect premature babies against brain damage"

(Link to the article - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24224206)

This is why Muslims follow the sunnah of our beloved Prophet without questioning it. Science is only now discovering a tradition that was introduced 1400 years ago because Islam was and still is the forefront of development.

ALLAHU AKBAR!!
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