Are there any books in English that address newborn care from an Islamic perspective, to avoid relying on advice from Western doctors that may not be accurate, and to provide guidance regarding the practices of the female companions (Sahabiyat) in raising their children, such as co-sleeping, feeding times, and methods of discipline?

Many educational issues relate to sound custom and human experience, and they can be regulated by general directives from the Qur’an and Sunnah. As for specific, binding directives, these come in the form of defined commands and prohibitions. One can benefit from the expertise of educational specialists, in addition to the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah. There are specific devotional rulings in Islamic law regarding newborns, such as Aqiqah and circumcision, while physical care follows the advice of doctors and educators.

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, in his book "Tuhfat al-Mawdud bi Ahkam al-Mawlud" (A Gift for the Beloved: Rulings Concerning the Newborn), mentioned useful chapters on child-rearing, including: 1. Not nursing the newborn from the mother during the first two or three days, and nursing from another woman is better. 2. Not carrying them much before three months due to their weakness. 3. Limiting their diet to milk until teeth appear. 4. Rubbing their tongues with honey and salt to facilitate speech, and teaching them the two Shahadas when they begin to speak. 5. Rubbing their gums with butter and ghee when teeth emerge. 6. A child’s crying is beneficial for their health. 7. Avoiding anything that frightens the child. 8. Completing two full years of breastfeeding, and weaning gradually. 9. Not overfeeding the child. 10. Caring for the child’s character, accustoming them to giving, and avoiding taking from others. 11. Avoiding lying and treachery. 12. Avoiding laziness and idleness. 13. Accustoming the child to being awake in the latter part of the night.

There is no harm in a child sleeping on the parents’ bed occasionally, but the principle is to separate beds. As for disciplinary beating, it should be after the age of ten, not exceeding ten lashes, and avoiding hitting the face. A whip can be hung in the home as a form of discipline. The primary basis of upbringing is teaching, guidance, kind words, and good example, with punishment being a last resort and in a way that does not harm the child.