Aqiqah: Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

What is Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is a traditional Islamic practice performed to celebrate the birth of a child and seek blessings for the newborn. The Aqiqah involves the sacrifice of an animal (typically a goat, sheep, or cow) and is an act of gratitude to Allah (ﷻ) for the gift of life. The practice is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and is performed in accordance with his Sunnah.

The Importance of Aqiqah in Islam
Aqiqah is a recommended Sunnah for Muslim parents to carry out, as it is a way to express thankfulness to Allah for the birth of a child. It is also an act of charity, as the meat from the sacrifice is distributed to family, friends, and the needy. Performing Aqiqah helps strengthen the bond of family and community while promoting the values of generosity and sharing.

The Sunnah of Aqiqah
The Aqiqah is based on the actions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The key aspects of the Sunnah regarding Aqiqah are as follows:

1.     Timing of the Aqiqah:
The Aqiqah should be performed on the seventh day after the birth of the child. However, if it is not possible to do so on that specific day, it can be done at a later time. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Every child is a pledge for his Aqiqah. It is slaughtered on his behalf on the seventh day, and his head is shaved, and he is named.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)

2.     Number of Animals to Sacrifice:
For a boy, two animals should be sacrificed, and for a girl, one animal is sufficient. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The Aqiqah for a boy is two sheep, and for a girl, one sheep.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

3.     Shaving the Baby's Head:
It is Sunnah to shave the newborn's head on the seventh day, as an act of purification and to symbolize a new beginning in the life of the child. The hair is often weighed, and its equivalent value in silver is given in charity. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stated:
“Shave the head of your newborn and give in charity the weight of his hair in silver.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)

4.     Naming the Baby:
Aqiqah is also a good time for naming the child. The name should be chosen with care, keeping in mind Islamic values and the qualities parents wish to encourage in their child. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged choosing good, meaningful names for children. He (ﷺ) said:
“On the Day of Judgment, you will be called by your names and by your father's name, so choose good names for yourselves.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood)

5.     The Distribution of Meat:
The meat of the sacrificed animals should be distributed in three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for friends and relatives, and one-third for the poor and needy. This ensures that the Aqiqah is an act of charity and community support.

Benefits of Performing Aqiqah
Performing Aqiqah has both spiritual and social benefits. Spiritually, it is a way to seek Allah’s blessings and protection for the child throughout their life. It is believed that Aqiqah acts as a means of atonement for any mistakes the child may make in the future. Socially, it brings families and communities together, fostering unity and mutual support.

1.     A Means of Protection:
Aqiqah is believed to protect the child from harm, as it acts as a form of redemption for the child. According to a narration from the Prophet (ﷺ):
“The Aqiqah is a protection for the child from the evil eye and misfortunes.”
(Sahih Muslim)

1. Gratitude to Allah:
   By performing Aqiqah, parents express their gratitude to Allah (ﷻ) for the precious gift of a child, acknowledging that children are a blessing and a trust from Allah.

2. Strengthening Community Bonds:
   The sharing of food and the act of giving to the less fortunate fosters a sense of unity and care within the community. Aqiqah also allows families to celebrate the joy of the newborn with relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Who Should Perform Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is the responsibility of the parents, and it is recommended that the father take the lead in this ritual. However, if the parents are unable to perform Aqiqah due to financial constraints, they are not obligated to do so, but it remains highly recommended.

Conclusion: Aqiqah as an Act of Gratitude and Charity
The practice of Aqiqah is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that reflects the values of gratitude, charity, and community support in Islam. By following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Muslims honor the precious gift of a child and seek Allah’s blessings for the child’s well-being and happiness. Performing Aqiqah is a way to demonstrate love, kindness, and compassion for the newborn, the family, and the wider community.

May Allah (ﷻ) bless the newborn with health, happiness, and success in this world and the Hereafter.