Aqiqah
Narrated 'Amr bin Shu'aib: from his father, from his grandfather that the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered naming the child on the seventh day, removing the harm from him, and Al-'Aqq (removing the hair and slaughtering the animal for 'Aqiqah). [at-Tirmidhi]
What is Aqiqah?
On the birth of a child, Aqiqah is a ritual which is performed as part of the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw). It involves the sacrifice of an animal and distributing its meat to the poor as a way of celebration and showing gratitude to Allah (swt) for His blessing.
The Ruling of Aqiqah
Though it is on an obligation, it is a high recommended Sunnah of the Prophet (saw). The Prophet (saw) preformed Aqiqah for both his grandsons, Hassan and Hussain (ra).
Who Should Do It?
The parent of guardian of a new born child who is eligible to pay Zakah or has enough money to perfom it should perform Aqiqah.
When Should Aqiqah be Performed?
It is a Sunnah to perform it on the 7th day of the baby’s birth. If it cannot be done on the 7th day, then it is said to wait another 7 days to perform it, so, 7, 14, 21 etc. According to scholars, it can be performed until the child becomes mature. Further to this, some scholars say that it can be preformed by ones own self in adulthood if it was not done when they were a child.
What is Given in the way of Aqiqah?
A small animal is sacrificed.
For a new born boy, 2 animals (goat, sheep, lamb) are sacrificed.
For a new born girl, 1 animal (goat, sheep, lamb) is sacrificed.
The animal that is sacrificed should be healthy with no broken teeth, tail or horns. The best sacrifice is the one that is done with the best and fattest animal.
The animal should also be of a certain age. For lambs, they must be at least 6 months old. For goats, they should be 12 months.
How is it Performed?
It is recommended to shave the head as a symbol of purification of the baby. The hair should then be weighed and its equivalent in silver should be given as Sadaqah to the poor. Something sweet should be fed to the baby, and the sacrifice is done after the shaving of the head.
Narrated Salman bin 'Amir Ad-Dabbi: I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "'Aqiqa is to be offered for a (newly born) boy, so slaughter (an animal) for him, and relieve him of his suffering." [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Meat Distribution
It is Sunnah to divide the meat into 3 equal parts and distribute it amongst your family, relatives and the poor.
A banquet is customary to be held and invite family and friends to eat from the meat to celebrate the birth of the new born.
Can Aqiqah be Substituted?
Aqiqah is a worship in and of its own and it cannot be substituted on behalf of something else. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet (saw), therefore, its status is quite high.
However, you can order your Aqiqah to be done through Al Miftah Aid and a certified butcher will carry out the Aqiqah and we will distribute it to the poor on your behalf.