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
When Should Aqiqah Be Performed? 
Latest News

When Should Aqiqah Be Performed?

Learn when Aqiqah should be performed, recommended timing after birth, and how flexibility in Islam allows parents to fulfil this Sunnah with ease.

One of the most common questions new parents ask after the birth of a child is when Aqiqah should be performed. Islam provides clear guidance on the recommended timing, while also allowing flexibility to accommodate different circumstances. Understanding the timing of Aqiqah helps families fulfil this Sunnah with confidence and peace of mind.

Aqiqah is associated with the birth of a child, but unlike some acts of worship, it does not have a strict deadline. Instead, it balances recommendation with mercy and ease.

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 recommended time for Aqiqah

The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is to perform Aqiqah on the seventh day after a child’s birth, counting the day of birth as day one. For example, if a baby is born on a Monday, the seventh day would fall on the following Sunday.

On this day, several acts are traditionally carried out together: the animal sacrifice, shaving the baby’s hair, naming the child, and giving charity equivalent to the weight of the hair in silver. Performing these acts together symbolises beginning a child’s life with worship, generosity, and remembrance of Allah.

Why the seventh day is recommended

Scholars explain that the seventh day holds symbolic significance in Islam, often associated with completion and blessing. Performing Aqiqah on this day reflects obedience to Prophetic guidance and allows parents to promptly express gratitude to Allah for their child.

That said, the reward of Aqiqah is not limited to the seventh day. The recommendation exists to encourage early gratitude, not to create hardship or pressure.

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 if the seventh day is missed?

If Aqiqah cannot be performed on the seventh day, Islam provides flexibility. Many scholars permit performing Aqiqah on the 14th or 21st day, while others allow it at any later time once the family is able.

There is no sin, blame, or reduction in reward for performing Aqiqah later. Islam recognises that childbirth brings physical, emotional, and financial demands, and it does not burden parents during an already significant transition.

Is there a deadline for Aqiqah?

There is no fixed deadline for Aqiqah in Islam. It can be performed weeks, months, or even years after a child’s birth. Some people perform Aqiqah later in childhood or even adulthood if it was not done earlier.

The absence of a strict deadline reflects Islam’s emphasis on intention over timing. Whenever Aqiqah is performed sincerely, it remains valid and rewarded.

Aqiqah and naming the child

Traditionally, the child’s name is announced on the seventh day, along with Aqiqah. However, naming a child earlier or later is completely permissible. Many parents name their child immediately after birth, especially in hospital settings.

The key point is that Aqiqah does not depend on the naming ceremony. Both acts are Sunnah practices that complement one another, but neither invalidates the other if done separately.

Aqiqah for premature or medically vulnerable babies

If a baby is born prematurely or requires medical care, Aqiqah may be delayed until the child’s health stabilises. Islam prioritises wellbeing and safety, and there is no expectation to perform Aqiqah while parents are dealing with medical concerns.

Once the family is able, Aqiqah can be performed with full reward and acceptance.

Why delaying Aqiqah does not reduce its value

Some parents worry that performing Aqiqah later may mean missing its benefits. Islamic scholars consistently reassure that this is not the case. The spiritual value of Aqiqah lies in intention, gratitude, and charity, not in strict timing.

Whether done on the seventh day or years later, Aqiqah remains a meaningful act that brings blessings for both the child and the family.

Balancing intention and ability

Islam encourages acts of worship to be performed thoughtfully and sustainably. If performing Aqiqah on the seventh day causes stress or hardship, delaying it is entirely appropriate.

Aqiqah is meant to be an expression of joy, not pressure. Taking the time to fulfil it properly reflects wisdom and sincerity.

FAQs:

  • 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. This timing follows the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). However, if this is not possible, Aqiqah may be performed later without any sin or loss of reward.
  • Can Aqiqah be done after the seventh day?
    Yes, Aqiqah can be performed after the seventh day. Many scholars allow it on the 14th or 21st day, while others permit it at any later time. Islam does not impose a strict deadline, and the act remains valid as long as it is completed sincerely.
  • Is there a penalty for delaying Aqiqah?
    No, there is no penalty or blame for delaying Aqiqah. It is a recommended Sunnah, not an obligation. Parents are encouraged to perform it when they are able, and Allah judges the act by intention and effort, not by speed.
  • Can adults perform Aqiqah for themselves later in life?
    Yes, adults may perform their own Aqiqah if it was not done during childhood. There is no age limit for Aqiqah, and performing it later is considered valid and rewarding. Many scholars view this as a way of reviving a Sunnah that was missed earlier.
  • Does Aqiqah have to be done on an odd-numbered day?
    No, Aqiqah does not have to be performed on an odd-numbered day. While the seventh day is recommended, there is no requirement that later Aqiqah be tied to specific dates. Any day after birth is permissible if the act is done correctly.
  • What if parents are not ready to perform Aqiqah immediately?
    If parents are not ready due to health, emotional, or financial reasons, they may delay Aqiqah. Islam prioritises ease and wellbeing, especially after childbirth. Performing Aqiqah later with sincerity is far better than rushing it under pressure.

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