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What Is Aqiqah? Meaning, Rules, Timing, and How It’s Performed
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What Is Aqiqah? Meaning, Rules, Timing, and How It’s Performed

Understand what Aqiqah is, its meaning, rules, and timing, and how this Sunnah honours a child’s birth through worship, charity, and gratitude.

Welcoming a new child is one of the greatest blessings a family can experience. In Islam, this moment of joy is marked not only with celebration but with gratitude, charity, and remembrance of Allah. Aqiqah (also spelt Aqeeqah or Akikah) is the Islamic tradition that honours the birth of a child through sacrifice and giving.

Aqiqah is a highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is an act that combines worship with compassion, allowing families to thank Allah for the gift of new life while sharing that joy with those in need. Though not obligatory, it has been practised by Muslims for generations as a meaningful way to begin a child’s life with faith and generosity.

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.”

Why confidence matters in Islamic giving

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The meaning of Aqiqah in Islam

The word Aqiqah comes from an Arabic root meaning to cut or to sacrifice. In Islamic practice, it refers to the sacrifice of an animal on the occasion of a child’s birth. This act symbolises gratitude to Allah, protection for the child, and a commitment to raising them within the values of Islam.

Aqiqah is not simply a ritual sacrifice. It is a holistic act of worship that includes intention, charity, remembrance of Allah, and care for the wider community. Through Aqiqah, parents acknowledge that children are a trust from Allah and that every blessing should be met with thankfulness and generosity.

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The significance of Aqiqah as a Sunnah

Aqiqah is a Sunnah established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who performed Aqiqah for his grandsons, Hasan and Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them). He encouraged this practice as a way of welcoming a child into the world under Allah’s care and protection.

Islamic scholars explain that while Aqiqah is not compulsory, it carries immense spiritual benefit. Performing it reflects love for the Sunnah and a desire to begin a child’s life with an act that invites barakah (blessing). There is no sin in leaving it, but fulfilling it is a source of reward and goodness.

Why Aqiqah is important

Aqiqah holds both spiritual and social importance in Islam.

Spiritually, it is an act of gratitude. Parents thank Allah for their child’s safe arrival by giving something of value for His sake. Charity offered at moments of happiness is especially beloved in Islam, as it turns personal joy into worship.

Socially, Aqiqah ensures that the celebration is not limited to one household. The meat from the sacrifice is shared with relatives, neighbours, and most importantly, the poor. In this way, the happiness of a new birth is extended to families who may be struggling, allowing them to partake in the blessing.

Aqiqah teaches that faith is not only personal, but communal; joy is multiplied when it is shared.

When should Aqiqah be performed?

It is recommended to perform Aqiqah on the seventh day after a child’s birth, counting the day of birth as day one. On this day, several Sunnah acts are traditionally carried out:

  • The animal sacrifice
  • Shaving the baby’s head
  • Naming the child
  • Giving charity equal to the weight of the baby’s hair in silver

If the seventh day is missed, Aqiqah can still be performed later. Some families choose the 14th or 21st day, while others perform it whenever they are able. There is no strict deadline in Islam for Aqiqah; sincerity and intention matter most.

How many animals are required for Aqiqah?

The Sunnah guidance is:

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

This distinction is based on Prophetic practice and has been followed throughout Islamic history. However, scholars agree that if a family cannot afford two animals for a boy, offering one is still valid and rewarded. Islam does not impose hardship, and Allah judges actions by intention and effort.

What animals are permitted for Aqiqah?

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

  • Sheep
  • Goats
  • Cattle (as shares)
  • Camels (as shares)

Animals must meet minimum age requirements and be healthy, free from serious defects, and suitable for sacrifice. This reflects respect for the act of worship and adherence to Islamic principles of animal welfare.

How Aqiqah is performed

Aqiqah is performed through a halal sacrifice with the intention made specifically for the child. The name of Allah is mentioned at the time of slaughter, and the animal is treated humanely.

After the sacrifice, the meat is distributed generously. Traditionally, some is kept for the family, some is shared with relatives and neighbours, and a significant portion is given to the poor. Many families choose to donate most or all of the meat to those in need, especially when the Aqiqah is performed on their behalf.

Can Aqiqah be done on behalf of someone else?

Yes. Parents may appoint another person or organisation to perform Aqiqah on their behalf. This is particularly common for families living in the UK who may not have access to livestock or slaughter facilities.

In such cases, the key requirements are that the intention is made for the child and that the sacrifice is carried out in accordance with Islamic guidelines. Delegating the act does not reduce its validity or reward.

Aqiqah later in life

If Aqiqah was not performed when someone was a child, it can still be done later in life. There is no age limit for Aqiqah. Some adults choose to perform their own Aqiqah as a way of reviving a Sunnah that was missed earlier.

Islam places no blame on parents or individuals for delayed Aqiqah. Whenever it is done sincerely, it remains a valid and rewarded act of worship.

Aqiqah as a foundation for a child’s life

Aqiqah symbolises the beginning of a child’s life, marked by remembrance of Allah, generosity, and compassion. It reflects the hope that the child will grow up rooted in faith and mindful of others.

Through this simple yet profound act, parents affirm that every blessing comes from Allah and that gratitude should always be expressed through action.

FAQs:

  • What is Aqiqah in Islam?
    Aqiqah is a Sunnah act performed to celebrate the birth of a child through animal sacrifice and charity. It expresses gratitude to Allah for the blessing of new life and involves sharing meat with others, especially the poor. While not obligatory, it is highly encouraged, rooted in the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
  • Is Aqiqah compulsory for Muslim parents?
    Aqiqah is not compulsory in Islam. It is a strongly recommended Sunnah, meaning there is no sin for not performing it. However, many scholars encourage parents to fulfil Aqiqah if they are able, as it brings spiritual reward, invites blessings for the child, and follows a beloved Prophetic tradition.
  • When is the best time to perform Aqiqah?
    The recommended time for Aqiqah is the seventh day after a child’s birth, counting the day of birth as day one. If this is not possible, Aqiqah can be performed later without any penalty. Islam allows flexibility, and the act remains valid as long as it is carried out with a sincere intention.
  • How many animals are required for Aqiqah?
    Traditionally, two animals are sacrificed for a baby boy and one animal for a baby girl. This practice comes from the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). If a family cannot afford the full number, offering fewer animals is still accepted and rewarded, as Islam prioritises intention over capacity.
  • What happens to the meat from Aqiqah?
    The meat from Aqiqah should be distributed generously, with a strong focus on feeding the poor and needy. Families may keep some for themselves and share some with relatives or neighbours, but many choose to donate most or all of it to those facing hardship, turning the celebration into an act of compassion.
  • Can Aqiqah be performed later if it was missed at birth?
    Yes. There is no time limit for Aqiqah. If it was not performed during infancy, it can be done later in childhood or adulthood. Islam does not hold parents or individuals accountable for missing the recommended time, and a delayed Aqiqah remains valid and spiritually beneficial.

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