Naming ceremony

A naming ceremony is a ceremony for the naming of a baby. Such ceremonies are common in many cultures; for instance, the Christian ceremony of baptism involves announcing a baby's official name.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá suggested that the Bahá’ís could hold a naming ceremony for a new baby; even so, it is not obligatory and there is no ritual prescribed for such an event. He suggested that the family could invite their relations and friends, share some prayers, and then give the baby a name:

“ When it is wished to celebrate the naming of a child, a special gathering may be held at which prayers and verses from the Holy Writings should be read out, and all should fervently entreat, in lowliness and devotion before the Divine Threshold, that the new-born infant may attain to righteousness, and beseech that it may be granted heavenly confirmation, steadfastness and constancy. The chosen name should then be conferred on the child, and afterwards sweetmeats and refreshments may be served--this is spiritual baptism. ” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, From a Tablet translated from the Persian

The non-binding nature of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's suggestion was clarified by Shoghi Effendi:

“ Regarding your question whether there is any special ceremony which the believers should perform when they wish to "name" a baby; the Teachings do not provide for any ceremony whatever on such occasions. We have no "baptismal service" in the Cause, such as the Christians have. There would be no objection, however, for the friends to come together on such happy occasions, provided they do not hold an official public ceremony, and provided also they strictly avoid uniformity and rigidity in all such practices. ” — Shoghi Effendi, from a a letter dated 20 December 1938 to an individual believer

The same guidance was later echoed by the Universal House of Justice:

“ While Bahá'ís are certainly free to arrange informal gatherings to commemorate the naming of a baby, there is no religious ceremony which Bahá'ís are obliged to carry out for this purpose, as distinct from the followers of other religions, such as the Catholics, who are required to baptize their babies as a religious rite. ” — From a letter dated 6 March 1997 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly.