Adhan and Iqamah in Newborn’s Ear

Q: What is the ruling of calling the Adhan and Iqamah in the ears of a newborn?

A: It is recommended to recite the Adhan in the right ear of a newborn, be they male or female, when they are born, and the Iqama in the left ear afterwards. This is because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited the Adhan in the ear of Al-Hasan when Fatimah gave birth to him, as reported by At-Tirmidhi, who said it is a Hasan Sahih (good and authentic) Hadith.

Additionally, according to a narration by Ibn al-Sunni, 'Whoever has a newborn and recites the Adhan in their right ear and the Iqama in their left ear, the Jinn (evil spirits) will not harm them.' This also ensures that the first thing the newborn hears is the proclamation of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) when they enter the world, just as they are reminded of it when they are urged to utter the shahadah moments before their passing as they leave this world. It also serves to drive away Satan, as he flees upon hearing the Adhan. In the Musnad of Razin, it is mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited Surah Al-Ikhlas in the ear of a newborn, which is understood to mean the right ear, as stated in the commentary of Al-Muntaha.

Kashshaf al-Qina & Sharh al-Muntaha