*This blog is not medical advice, it is purely written to highlight scientific findings to support acts of Sunnah  

As Muslims living in the Western world, at one point or another we have been faced with the “why?” when discussing or performing acts of Sunnah. As Muslims, we know that Allah has provided the answers to the questions of Sunnah directly and in many places in the Quran. However, the depth and beauty of the Quran is not understood by all, and for them, we have the “why?” answered through science.  

Tahneek in the Western World  

The Sunnah of Tahneek refers to placing a small piece of a well chewed date or something sweet in the absence of dates, into the mouth of a newborn. However, many parents have been advised by healthcare professionals or online resources that a child should never have anything other than milk (breast or formula) until they are six months. Which raises the question: how does the Sunnah act of tahneek affect the child?

Interestingly, there are scientific studies which support this practice. Dates are not just sweet - they contain significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits, along with the sugar found in dates, may play a role in safeguarding your newborn’s health.

The Science

One of the primary concerns for newborns is neonatal hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This condition can be difficult to detect right after birth without a heel prick test and, if left untreated, can lead to brain damage, seizures, developmental delays, and even death. A New Zealand study found that administering a low-dose glucose gel to neonatal patients helped prevent brain damage by reducing hypoglycemia. This is where dates come into play. Dates are composed of 70-80% sugar, primarily fructose and glucose. A small piece of softened, chewed date can have a similar effect to applying glucose gel to the inside of the baby’s mouth. Performing this practice after birth prevents the likelihood of hypoglycemia symptoms from developing. Additionally, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in dates provide extra health benefits.

In addition to this, it has been shown that giving a newborn a small amount of sugar (or date) can trigger the release of endorphins, which help reduce pain during tests such as heel pricks or blood tests. The sugar acts as a natural pain reliever, and within the first 10 minutes, babies show reduced pain responses. More on this can be found here. 

The Verdict

Whether its dates or sugar gel, Tahneek has been backed by science. So, the next time you’re asked “Why?” or find yourself torn between Western medical advice and following Sunnah, rest assured that this practice is backed by both. Ultimately, the decision to follow the Sunnah is yours.