Aqiqah in Islam: A Beautiful Sunnah for Welcoming a Newborn

Introduction

Aqiqah in Islam is a special act of worship and a tradition performed when a baby is born. It is a Sunnah practice, which is highly encouraged. Through Aqeeqah, Muslim parents show gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the blessing of a child by sacrificing an animal and distributing its meat to family, friends, and the needy.

In this blog, we will explore the meaning, purpose, and rituals of Aqiqah in detail, as well as its significance in Islamic teachings.

What is Aqeeqah in Islam?

Aqiqah is the ritual sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep or goat, performed to celebrate the birth of a newborn. The term Aqeeqah is derived from the Arabic root meaning “to cut” or “to sacrifice,” signifying the act of slaughtering an animal for this special occasion.

Muslim families thank Allah (SWT) for the gift of a child through the act of worship called Aqiqah. It also serves as an opportunity to give charity by distributing meat to the needy.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Buraidah (RA) narrated from his father that:

The Messenger of Allah offered the ‘Aqiqah for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain. [Sunan an-Nasa’i 4213]

The Purpose of Aqiqah in Islam

In Islam, the birth of a child is considered a gift from Allah (SWT), and Aqeeqah is a way of showing appreciation for this blessing. However, Aqiqah also fulfills several other important purposes:

1. Thanking Allah (SWT): First and foremost, Aqiqah is a means for parents to express gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the gift of a healthy child. It acknowledges that life itself is a blessing from Allah (SWT).
2. Protecting the Child: Performing Aqiqah is believed to protect the newborn from harm and evil influences. This protection is both physical and spiritual. Some scholars suggest that by performing Aqiqah, parents seek Allah’s (SWT) protection and blessings for the child’s future.
3. Charity and Sharing: Aqiqah offers an opportunity for the family to give to those in need. The meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed to people experiencing poverty, thus fulfilling an important aspect of charity (sadaqah) in Islam. Sharing food also strengthens community bonds and allows the family to celebrate their joy with others.
4. Celebrating a New Life: Aqiqah is a joyful way to welcome a new child into the family and the Muslim community. It is a celebration of life and a gathering where loved ones come together to share in the family’s happiness.

Aqiqah Rules in Islam

Aqiqah is a relatively simple ritual, it must be performed by certain rules and guidelines to ensure it aligns with Islamic teachings. The following are the key rules that govern Aqiqah:

1. Timing of Aqiqah: The preferred time to perform Aqeeqah is on the seventh day after the baby’s birth. This timing is based on the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), where he recommended performing Aqiqah on the seventh day. However, if the family cannot perform Aqeeqah on these days, it can be delayed until a later time when they can afford it.
2. Animal for Aqiqah: For Aqiqah, the family should sacrifice a halal (permissible) animal, such as a sheep, goat, or similar livestock. The animal must meet the same conditions as those required for Qurbani during Eid al-Adha. Therefore, it should be healthy, free from defects, and mature (usually at least one-year-old). Islamic guidelines for halal slaughter must carry out the sacrifice.
3. Distribution of Meat: The meat from the sacrificed animal should be divided into three parts:

• One-third for the family,
• One-third for friends and relatives,
• One-third for the needy.

Aqeeqah in Islam for Baby Boy and Baby Girl

In Islam, Aqiqah is a Sunnah practice performed to celebrate the birth of a child. For a baby boy, it is Sunnah to sacrifice two animals, such as sheep or goats. In contrast, for a baby girl, it is recommended to sacrifice one animal. This practice is based on a hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

For a boy two sheep, Mukafaatan (of equal age), and a girl, one sheep. [Sunan an-Nasa’i 4216]

Why Two Animals for a Baby Boy and One for a Baby Girl in Aqeeqah?

In Islam, there are five specific situations where the rights or responsibilities of women are quantified differently from those of men. It’s essential to understand that these distinctions are based on specific Islamic rulings. However, they do not imply any difference in the overall value or dignity of individuals in the sight of Allah (SWT). Here are those situations:

1. Inheritance: In Islamic inheritance law, a male heir typically receives twice the share of a female heir. This is due to the financial responsibilities men have within the family structure in Islam.
2. Testimony: In legal matters requiring testimony, two male witnesses are usually required. If two men are unavailable, the testimony of one man and two women is accepted.
3. Aqeeqah: When performing Aqeeqah for a newborn, it is Sunnah to sacrifice two animals for a baby boy and one for a baby girl. This difference does not imply that boys are valued more than girls. Rather, it is simply a reflection of the Sunnah as practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
4. Blood Money (Diyya): In cases of accidental death, the compensation paid to the family of a deceased man is traditionally twice that for a deceased woman.
5. Freeing of Slaves: In the historical context of slavery, if a Muslim freed one male slave, it would result in a specific spiritual reward. To attain the same reward by freeing female slaves, two female slaves would be freed.

These distinctions are specific rulings with spiritual and societal reasoning but do not reflect the inherent worth of individuals in Islam.

How is Aqiqah Performed in Islam?

Performing Aqeeqah involves a few key steps that are easy to follow. Below is a detailed guide to the process of performing Aqiqah:

1. Sacrifice of the Animal: The first and most important step in Aqeeqah is the sacrifice of the animal. This should be done according to Islamic rules for halal slaughter. The person performing the sacrifice should say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” before slaughtering the animal. It is essential that the animal is treated with respect and that the process is carried out humanely.
2. Naming the Child: Traditionally, the Aqiqah ceremony is an occasion to announce the baby’s name. In Islam, choosing a good and meaningful name for the child is important, as names carry significance and reflect the child’s identity. The family may take this opportunity to share the chosen name with their relatives and friends.
3. Prayers for the Child: During the Aqeeqah ceremony, it is recommended to recite special prayers (dua) for the well-being of the child. Parents and family members ask Allah (SWT) to bless and protect the newborn, to guide them on the right path, and to grant them a righteous and prosperous life.

Ruling on a Delayed Aqiqah

In Islam, it is Sunnah to perform Aqeeqah on the seventh day after a baby’s birth. If circumstances make it difficult for the family to do so, such as financial constraints or other challenges, they may delay the Aqeeqah. Therefore, it is permissible to perform it at a later time. In these cases, the family can perform Aqeeqah whenever they can afford it.

While some scholars recommend performing Aqeeqah as soon as possible, there is no strict deadline for this act. Aqeeqah can even be done years later if earlier circumstances prevented it. What truly matters is the intention behind fulfilling this Sunnah and performing it when the family is capable.

Is Aqeeqah Compulsory in Islam?

Aqeeqah is considered a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, meaning a highly recommended Sunnah in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed Aqeeqah for his family and encouraged his followers to do the same. Several hadiths highlight the importance of Aqeeqah, making it a beloved practice for Muslim families.

Hazrat Salman bin ‘Amir Ad-Dabbi (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:

“For a boy, there should be an ‘Aqiqah, so shed blood for him, and remove the harm from him.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i 4214]

This narration highlights the significance of performing Aqeeqah as a spiritual protection for the child.

Conclusion

Aqiqah is a beautiful Sunnah that holds deep spiritual and communal significance in Islam. By offering a sacrifice and distributing its meat to the needy, family, and friends, we express our gratitude. In this way, we thank Allah (SWT) for the blessing of a child. After the Aqiqah, parents entrust their child’s future to Allah (SWT), seeking His protection, guidance, and blessings. Therefore, Aqiqah is not merely a ceremony; it is a profound expression of faith, thankfulness, and the Islamic values of compassion and generosity.

If you are expecting or have recently welcomed a newborn, consider following the beautiful Sunnah of Aqiqah to express your gratitude. Additionally, share this joyous occasion with your loved ones and those in need. Don’t forget to consult your local mosque or Islamic scholars for guidance on performing Aqiqah according to Islamic teachings. Share the joy of this blessed moment with your community today!