When to Name a Child

Question :

What is the best day to name a newborn: on the day he is born or on the seventh day?

Answer:

There is some leeway in the issue of naming newborns; there is evidence that supports naming the newborn on the day of its birth or on its 7th day. It is recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim that Sahl bin Sa'idi said that Al-Munthir bin Usayd was brought to the Messenger of Allah when he was born. The Messenger of Allah placed him on his lap, and then he played with something he had in his hands. Later on, the Messenger of Allah asked Abu Usayd what name he has given to the boy, and so he informed him. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"No, rather his name is Al-Munthir."

In Sahih Muslim there is a narration from Sulayman bin Al- Mughirah from Thabit, from Anas who said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said :
"A boy was born to me tonight and I named him after my father Ibrahim A.S."

In another Hadith recorded by Ahmad and the Sunan Compilers, Samurah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Every child is mortgaged by his 'Aqiqah: on the seventh day an animal is slaughtered for him, and his head is shaved and he is named."

At-Tirmithi said, "This Hadith is Hasan Sahih."

And with Allah is the facilitation to do what is right. May Allah send peace and blessings on Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.

Source:
The Permanent Committee
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 8 Pages 338-339