When a baby is born, Muslim parents feel a rush of joy and gratitude. But along with that joy comes a question many parents quietly wonder about: Are we doing right by our child in the eyes of Allah? Many families are aware that Aqiqah exists, but are unsure exactly what it entails or whether they are performing it correctly.
This uncertainty is more common than people think. Some parents delay it for years, some skip it entirely, and some perform it without understanding its full meaning. Missing this Sunnah without a valid reason means missing a powerful act of gratitude to Allah and a spiritual protection for your child.
The performance of Aqiqah is highly encouraged and should be performed by the child’s parents or guardians. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions used to perform Aqiqah when they were blessed with a newborn, as mentioned by the Hidaya Foundation. This alone tells you how seriously the early Muslims took it.
Once you understand what aqiqah is in Islam, its meaning, its rules, and the proper way to perform it, the entire process becomes simple and meaningful. This article covers everything you need to know, step by step, in plain words.
What is the meaning of aqiqah in Islam?
Aqiqah is not just a ritual. It is a way of thanking Allah for giving you a child. The word “Aqiqah” itself refers to the hair of the newborn, which is shaved during the ceremony. It is a way of expressing gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a child and seeking His protection for the newborn.
Aqiqah is a type of sadaqah, and it is also Sunnah, though not obligatory. According to hadith and the majority of Islamic scholars, two goats are sacrificed for a boy and one for a girl. It is a Prophetic tradition rooted in love, generosity, and care for the community.
What is the Aqiqah ceremony in Islam?
The Aqiqah ceremony is the actual event where the sacrifice takes place, and the family comes together. An Aqiqah ceremony is a celebration in which the meat of the sacrificed animal is cooked and shared with family, friends, and needy members of the community. On the seventh day after birth, the child’s head is shaved, and the baby is given a taste of honey to reflect the sweetness of the Quran.
It is also the day the child is formally named, which makes it a meaningful milestone for the whole family. The ceremony is simple at its core but carries deep spiritual weight, connecting the child to their faith right from the start.
Rules of the Aqiqah Ceremony
The rules of Aqiqah are straightforward, and following them properly is what makes the act valid and complete. The animals should meet the same requirements as those for Qurbani during Eid al-Adha, namely that they be healthy, free from defects, and of a minimum age.
After the animal sacrifice, the parents divide the meat into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for sharing with relatives and friends, and one-third for the needy and the poor. This distribution is not just a formality; it is the spirit of generosity that makes Aqiqah so beautiful.
Who Performs the Aqiqah
Aqiqah is the responsibility of the parents, primarily the father. It is to be performed by the child’s parents or guardians. If the father is unable to do it, the mother or another guardian can take on the responsibility.
If a person reaches adulthood and their father did not perform Aqiqah for them due to inability or neglect, it is Sunnah for the adult to perform Aqiqah for themselves if they are able. So even if it was missed in childhood, it is not too late.
When is Aqiqah Performed
The timing of Aqiqah follows a clear Sunnah. If one cannot perform the slaughter on the seventh day, it may be done on the fourteenth or the twenty-first day. If one is still unable to do so, it may be performed at any time before the child reaches puberty.
Islam offers flexibility here, a mercy for families in difficult situations. What matters most is that the intention is sincere and the Sunnah is fulfilled when it becomes possible.
What is Sacrificed in Aqiqah
The animal used for Aqiqah must meet the same conditions as for Qurbani. The animals to be slaughtered must be goats, cows, or camels. For camels, it must be older than 6 years; for cows, older than 3 years; and for goats, older than 2 years. They must be free from any form of handicap, such as being blind, sick, limping, or undernourished.
Two animals are sacrificed for a boy and one for a girl. This is directly from the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and is the standard followed by the majority of scholars across all schools of thought.
FAQs
Is Aqiqah compulsory in Islam?
No, it is Sunnah, not obligatory. But it is strongly encouraged for every parent who has the means.
Can Aqiqah be done after the 7th day?
Yes, it can be done on the 14th, 21st, or any time after if you are unable to do it on the 7th day. Islam is flexible on this.
What animals can be used for Aqiqah?
Goats, sheep, cows, or camels are all valid. The animal must be healthy and meet the same age requirements as Qurbani animals.
Can an adult perform Aqiqah for themselves?
Yes. If Aqiqah was not done during childhood, the adult can perform it for themselves when they have the means.
What happens to the meat of the Aqiqah sacrifice?
The meat is divided into three equal parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and needy.