Is the tahneek of a baby exclusive to the Prophet, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him? Was it authentically reported that the Companions and their Successors did that? And must the tahneek be with dates only, or is it permissible to use something else, like honey, while taking into account doctors' recommendations not to give honey to infants?

The majority of scholars hold the view that it is recommended to perform the tahnik (rubbing the palate) for a newborn after birth. This was a well-known practice among the Companions and the Pious Predecessors. The tahnik is done with a date; if a date is not available, then with fresh dates (rutab); otherwise, with anything sweet like honey. The person performing the tahnik chews the date until it softens, then places a small amount of it in the newborn's mouth for it to enter their stomach. It is important to note that if doctors determine that honey is harmful to the child, then the tahnik should be performed with something else.