Title: Muslim Customs at Childbirth Question: In a Muslim naming ceremony what does: " Adhan " , " Tahneek " , " Aqeeqah " and " Khitan " mean? Answer: The customs that you have mentioned are not a part of the 'naming ceremony' of a child. In fact, there is no evidence to support that there is any such ceremony as the 'naming ceremony', which was promoted as a Muslim custom by the Prophet (pbuh). The customs promoted as a part of Islamic traditions by the Prophet (pbuh), at the birth of a child, include the following: Adhan [1] is recited in the right ear of the child, while the Iqaamah [2] is recited in the left ear; and Circumcision ( " Khittaan " in the Arabic language) Besides these two customs, there are no other customs promoted by the Prophet (pbuh), as a part of the Islamic tradition. Nevertheless, as a show of gratitude for being blessed with a child, a person may offer supererogatory (naf'l) sacrifice. The above explanation should clarify that 'Tehneek' and 'Aqeeqah' are not a part of the Muslim customs at childbirth, which were promoted by the Prophet (pbuh). October 17, 2000 [1] " Adhan " is the public call to prayers. [2] " Iqaamah " is the local announcement of the initiation of prayers, for the purpose of alerting those who have come to the mosque to offer their prayers with the congregation.