Added to your Barakah Basket! Explore more ways to uplift lives
Donate

Your Barakah Basket

You have no items in your basket

Sadaqah starts with intention, here are some ways to begin:

Explore Causes
How Many Animals Are Needed for Aqiqah? Rules for Boys and Girls Explained
Latest News

How Many Animals Are Needed for Aqiqah? Rules for Boys and Girls Explained

Learn how many animals are required for Aqiqah, differences for boys and girls, and the Islamic guidance behind these rulings and practices.

One of the most discussed aspects of Aqiqah is the number of animals required, particularly the difference between a baby boy and a baby girl. This distinction often raises questions, but Islamic teachings provide clear guidance rooted in Prophetic practice and wisdom.

Understanding these rules helps parents perform Aqiqah correctly while appreciating the broader values of intention, generosity, and mercy within Islam.

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains.”

The Sunnah ruling on the number of animals

The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is to sacrifice:

  • Two animals for a baby boy
  • One animal for a baby girl

This guidance is based on authentic hadith and has been followed consistently throughout Islamic history. It reflects Prophetic instruction rather than cultural custom.

Why two animals for a boy and one for a girl?

Islamic scholars explain that this distinction is a matter of obedience to the Sunnah rather than a statement of value. Islam affirms the equal worth and dignity of boys and girls, and the difference in number does not imply superiority.

Some scholars suggest the additional sacrifice encourages greater charity and generosity, particularly in communities where sons traditionally carried social responsibility.

Image Style 03 _ 3_2 (Scroll cards) (1)
Image Style 03 _ 3_2 (Scroll cards) (2)
Image Style 03 _ 3_2 (Scroll cards)
Image Style 01 _ 16_9 (2)
Media Cards

What type of animals are allowed?

The animals permitted for Aqiqah are the same as those allowed for Qurbani:

  • Sheep
  • Goats
  • Shares in cattle or camels

Animals must meet minimum age requirements, be healthy, and free from serious defects. This ensures the sacrifice is dignified, halal, and in line with Islamic principles of animal welfare.

What if a family cannot afford two animals for a boy?

Islam is a religion built on mercy and balance, and this principle applies clearly to Aqiqah. While the Sunnah encourages sacrificing two animals for a baby boy, it does not impose hardship on families who are unable to do so. If parents cannot afford two animals, offering one animal is still valid and fully rewarded.

Islamic scholars agree that ability is always taken into account in acts of worship involving wealth. Allah judges deeds by intention and effort, not by financial capacity. Performing one Aqiqah with sincerity is far better than abandoning the Sunnah altogether due to financial concerns.

The purpose of Aqiqah is gratitude and charity, not pressure. Parents should feel reassured that fulfilling Aqiqah within their means is pleasing to Allah and in line with Islamic teachings.

Understanding who the Aqiqah is for

Aqiqah is performed on behalf of the child, not the parents or the household as a whole. The sacrifice is connected specifically to the birth, which means each child has their own Aqiqah. The number of animals is determined by the child’s gender and the Sunnah guidance, rather than by the size or structure of the family.

This distinction helps preserve the intention of Aqiqah as a personal act marking the arrival of a new life, rather than a general family obligation.

Using larger animals for Aqiqah

In some circumstances, families may choose to use a share in a larger animal, such as cattle or a camel, for Aqiqah. This is permissible, provided that each share is clearly intended as a separate Aqiqah for one child. Each share counts as one sacrifice, just as a sheep or goat would.

This option can make Aqiqah more accessible while still meeting Islamic requirements regarding intention, animal welfare, and distribution.

Reward is not measured by quantity alone

While the Sunnah provides guidance on numbers, the reward of Aqiqah is not based solely on how many animals are sacrificed. Sincerity, gratitude, and generosity are the foundations of this act of worship. A single sacrifice offered with pure intention can yield immense reward and blessing.

Islam consistently teaches that Allah looks at the heart before the action. Parents should therefore focus on fulfilling Aqiqah in a way that reflects devotion and responsibility, rather than comparison or social expectation.

Balancing Sunnah practice with personal circumstances

Following the Sunnah is a source of great reward, but Islam never demands that believers place themselves under strain. Parents are encouraged to honour the tradition of Aqiqah in a way that aligns with their circumstances, financial stability, and well-being.

When approached with balance, Aqiqah becomes what it is meant to be: a joyful, meaningful act of gratitude that strengthens faith and spreads kindness

FAQs:

  • How many animals are required for Aqiqah?
    For a baby boy, the Sunnah is to sacrifice two animals, while for a baby girl, one animal is sufficient. This guidance comes from the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). However, if a family cannot afford the full number, offering fewer animals is still valid and rewarded.
  • Is sacrificing two animals for a boy compulsory?
    No, sacrificing two animals for a boy is not compulsory. It is a recommended Sunnah. If a family is unable to afford two animals, sacrificing one is acceptable. Islam does not burden families beyond their means, and intention is given great importance.
  • Can the same animal be used for two children?
    No, each child requires their own Aqiqah. One animal cannot be divided to count as Aqiqah for two children. However, shares in larger animals may be used, provided each share is clearly intended for one child’s Aqiqah.
  • Are boys valued more than girls in Aqiqah?
    No, the difference in the number of animals does not reflect greater value for boys. Islam affirms the equal dignity of boys and girls. The distinction follows Prophetic guidance and concerns charity and tradition, not status or worth.
  • Can cattle or camels be used for Aqiqah?
    Yes, cattle or camels may be used for Aqiqah through shared portions. Each share counts as one Aqiqah. The animal must meet Islamic requirements for age and health, and the intention must be made specifically for the child.
  • Does giving fewer animals reduce the reward?
    No, giving fewer animals does not reduce the reward if it reflects a person’s ability. Allah rewards sincerity, intention, and generosity. Performing Aqiqah within one’s means is far better than avoiding it due to financial concerns.

updates that matter

Empower my Inbox

Volunteer

Vivamus lacinia lacus vel neque egestas, vitae volutpat purus dapibus. Nullam nec ultricies erat. Etiam ac urna metus.

    Updates that matter

    Join our mailing list for events, urgent appeals, and project updates from the communities you help empower.

      We use cookies to make your visit even better

      They help us understand how our website is used so we can improve your experience and share the stories and projects you care about most. All data is anonymous, and your privacy matters to us.
      We use cookies to make your visit even better