What is the ruling on the 'aqiqah, tahnik, and shaving the head for a newborn?

Question:
Does one commit a sin if he does not perform the 'aqiqah for his child?

Answer:
It is known among the majority of scholars that it is a recommended practice (sunnah); based on his saying: , it is a confirmed recommended practice.
Q: May Allah reward you, is tahnik for the newborn a recommended practice (sunnah) or a recommended act (mustahabb)?
The Shaykh: It is a recommended act (mustahabb).
Q: On the day of birth?
The Shaykh: Yes, the mother or father chews a date and places it in the child's mouth, and massages the upper palate with his finger until it straightens, strengthens, and rises. The women know how to do this.
Q: Shaving the head, does one give charity with its weight?
The Shaykh: That is the best, its weight in silver or what serves as its equivalent.
Q: Taking him to the scholars?
The Shaykh: I do not know a basis for this; rather, this is something specific to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Tahnik and naming are recommended practices (sunnah). If the young one wants to give precedence to the elder in naming, he gives him precedence over his father or elder brother so that he may take charge of the naming. There is no objection to this from the perspective of proper conduct (adab).
Q: Is tahnik done with anything other than dates?
The Shaykh: The recommended practice (sunnah) is dates, but if dates are not available, sweets or honey are fine, there is no harm.