✿ Placing a Knife Near a Newborn: Shariah Ruling and Research ✿
Taken from: Fatawa Ilmiyyah, Vol. 1 – Principles, Takhreej & Tahqeeq of Narrations – p. 661
❀ The Question ❀
When a child is born, some people place a knife near the newborn’s pillow. Is this practice permissible according to Islamic teachings?
(Questioner: Haji Nazir Khan, Daman Hazro)
✿ The Answer ✿
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
In light of Islamic teachings, there is no evidence in any authentic Hadith that permits placing a knife near a newborn’s pillow. On the contrary, a narration from the Tabi‘iyyah Umm ‘Alqamah Marjanah (رحمها الله) proves that this act is wrong and prohibited.
❀ The Incident of Umm ‘Alqamah Marjanah (RAH) ❀
◈ When a child was born, people would bring the newborn to Sayyidah ‘A’ishah (RA).
◈ She would supplicate for blessings for the child.
◈ On one occasion, a newborn was brought, and she noticed a razor (knife) placed near the child’s pillow.
◈ She asked the people about it.
◈ They replied: “We place this knife to protect the child from jinn.”
◈ Sayyidah ‘A’ishah (RA) threw away the knife and forbade them from doing this.
◈ She said:
“Indeed, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ disliked and forbade superstitions and evil omens.”
◈ She would always prohibit this practice (placing a knife or razor near a newborn).
Reference: Al-Adab al-Mufrad by al-Bukhari: 912 – Chain Hasan
❀ Detailed Analysis of the Narration ❀
➤ Authenticity of the Narration
◈ The chain is Hasan li-Dhatih (good in itself).
◈ Shaykh al-Albani (رحمه الله) mistakenly graded it weak due to an error in methodology.
Reference: al-Adab al-Mufrad, Tahqiq al-Albani, p. 319
➤ Defense of the Narrators
1. Umm ‘Alqamah Marjanah (RAH):
◈ Two reliable narrators reported from her:
- ʿAlqamah bin Abi ʿAlqamah (Thiqa)
- Bukayr bin al-Ashajj (Thiqa)
Reference: Tahdhib al-Tahdhib 12/457, 478
◈ Ibn Hibban included her in al-Thiqat (5/466) and narrated from her in Sahih Ibn Hibban (3740).
◈ Imam al-‘Ajli said:
“A trustworthy Madaniyyah Tabi‘iyyah.”
Reference: Ma‘rifat al-Thiqat 2/461, No. 23640
◈ Great Imams such as Ibn Khuzaymah, al-Tirmidhi, al-Hakim, al-Dhahabi, and Imam Malik narrated from her and accepted her reports.
◈ Ibn Hajar: “Saduqah, Hasan al-Hadith.”
Reference: Taqrib al-Tahdhib 4/433, T8680
2. ʿAbdur Rahman bin Abi al-Zinad (RAH):
◈ Considered Moothaq and Hasan al-Hadith by the majority of Hadith scholars.
Reference: Nur al-‘Aynayn, p. 115–116
3. Isma‘il bin Abi Uways (RAH):
◈ Though some weakened him, Imam al-Bukhari narrated from his original works, which are deemed Hasan or Sahih.
Reference: Hady al-Sari, p. 391
➤ Conclusion of Analysis
◈ The narration is Hasan li-Dhatih.
◈ The text is free from any defects (‘Ilal).
◈ Hence, it is a valid proof that placing knives near newborns for “protection” is baseless and impermissible.
❀ Final Ruling ❀
Placing a knife near a newborn as a means of protection is not from Islam. It is a superstition and should be avoided. True protection comes only from Allah ﷻ through supplications, adhkar, and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
⚖ This is what I hold. And Allah knows best.
