Is it disliked to smear the head of a newborn with blood?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
Smearing the head with blood is disliked. This view is held by Ahmad, Al-Zuhri, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and Ibn al-Mundhir. The basis for disliking this practice is derived from the Hadith stating, 'With the boy is his Aqiqah, so shed blood on his behalf, and remove harm from him.' This implies that one should not touch the head with blood, as blood is considered harm (adha). Furthermore, it is related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'An Aqiqah is performed for the boy, and his head is not touched with blood.' This suggests that applying blood is not legislated.
Supporting text
It is reported from Al-Hasan and Qatadah that smearing the head with blood is recommended based on the narration that states the newborn is 'damah' (in one narration, meaning blood is applied). However, scholars like Ibn Abd al-Barr affirmed that all other people of knowledge disapproved of this, viewing the application of blood as a form of impurity that should not be legislated, similar to applying other impurities.