Aqiqah

Aqiqah is an Islamic tradition and religious practice observed by Muslims. It is an animal sacrifice performed usually on the seventh day after the birth of a child and is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is a means to celebrate and show gratitude to Allah for the gift of a child and seek blessings for the newborn.

Aqiqah is an important Sunnah that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions used to perform. In fact, the Prophet (ﷺ) performed Aqiqah for the births of his grandsons. The sacrifice is performed to show gratitude to Allah for the gift of a child and protect the child from Shaytan and illness. Aqiqah is a way to give thanks to Allah, a form of cleansing and purification, and to encourage generosity by sharing with others. A portion of the sacrificed animal is distributed to family, friends, and those in need. The distribution of the sacrificed animal’s meat to the less fortunate is a practice that aligns with the core values of Islam and fulfills the obligations we have as Muslims.

Although it is sunnah to perform Aqiqah on the seventh day, if it is not possible, you can perform up until the child is mature, so long as it is on a subsequent seventh day onwards (14th, 21st etc.). The slaughterman should make an intention on behalf of the baby and its parents for Aqiqah. It can be performed by sacrificing a goat or sheep or donating the equivalent amount of money to charity. A small animal (sheep or goat) counts as one Aqiqah. Two animals should be sacrificed for a boy and one for a girl, but there is no limit.

Aishah (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: ‘Slaughter for a boy two compatible sheep and for a girl, just one. It does not matter whether the sheep are male or female. [Ahmad]

The animals chosen for sacrifice must meet certain criteria; lambs must be a minimum of 6 months old and for goats 12 months. They must also be in good health, e.g. no broken teeth/horns. It is best practice to sacrifice the best animal you can find, something One Ummah ensures with our Aqiqah appeal.

Shaving the baby’s hair is a recommended symbol of purification in Islamic tradition. The shaven hair should then be weighed, and its equivalent value in silver is given as Sadaqah to the poor. The act of sacrifice is performed either after shaving the hair or simultaneously, but not before. It is customary for the baby to be given a name when Aqiqah is performed.

Samurah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The boy is mortgaged by his ‘Aqiqah; slaughtering should be done for him on the seventh day, he should be given a name, and his head should be shaved.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi]

One Ummah understands the significance of Aqiqah in Islam, and we are committed to upholding its traditions in the most authentic way. When you choose for us to perform Aqiqah on your behalf, you can rest assured that your Aqiqah is carried out following the Sunnah. Our team will ensure the sacrifice is carried out with complete care and in line with Islamic guidelines. When you donate with One Ummah, we will keep you updated throughout the process so you have a sense of involvement.

⮕ Donate your Aqiqah today and help make a difference in the life of many in need.