What is Aqiqah?

In Islam, Aqiqah is the sacrifice of livestock; such as goats and sheep, at the birth of a child. The Aqiqah is performed as part of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).  It often takes place on the seventh day after a baby’s birth. However, there’s nothing wrong with doing it at a later time.

The sacrifice is then often divided between the family members who are carrying out the sacrifice. It’s often handed out to the poor and needy.

Aqiqah is a form of celebration, and is a means of showing gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a new baby. 

Every baby is held in pledge up to his aqiqah. So, on his seventh day, sacrifice should be made on his behalf, his head should be shaved, and he should be given a name.

Hadith | Abu Dawud

Why is Aqiqah important?

At Islamic Relief, we have a duty to be there for those who are most in need of our support.

Millions of people struggle everyday with poverty, with many people going days and months without proper food. Your donation could provide a family with a meal and give them the vital nutrients they need. They would also have the chance to share in the celebration of new life. The reward of this beloved Sunnah benefits so many of us.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided an Aqiqah to each of his two grandsons, Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husain.

When should you give Aqiqah?

An Aqiqah usually takes place on the seventh day after a baby’s birth. However, there’s nothing wrong with doing it at a later time.

How to perform Aqiqah?

The sacrifice is usually carried out by an adult male according to normal Sharia (halal) guidelines regarding meat. The animal(s) must be healthy, meet the requirements for minimal age for slaughter and not be slaughtered in sight of other animals.

For a baby boy, two animals are sacrificed. For a baby girl, one animal is sacrificed.

The sacrifice is then divided between the family members who are carrying out the sacrifice. It’s then handed out to the poor and needy. For family and friends, a party it’s often arranged to celebrate and share the meat.

What is the Aqiqah ceremony?

The Aqiqah is often carried out first and then accompanied by a social gathering with family and friends, where a section of the meat is shared as a meal.

Who pays for Aqiqah?

The new born baby’s father usually pays for it. However, another relative can pay for the Aqiqah if the father is not able to, or if he gives permission to do so. 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offered Aqiqah on behalf of his beloved grandsons Imam Hassan and Hussain (AS). 

Every sane adult who is eligible to pay Zakat, should offer Aqiqah at the birth of a new baby. 

What are the 3 parts of the Aqiqah?

The Aqiqah meat from a sacrificed goat is divided into three parts according to the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

• One third is for the family.
• One third is given to neighbours and friends.
• One third is distributed to the poor and needy.

Many Muslims cook the share of the Aqiqah meat for family and friends and hold a celebration to eat together, shave the baby’s head and announce the name of the child. It’s a wonderful occasion to welcome the baby into the world, according to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

Why do Muslims perform Aqiqah?

Muslims perform Aqiqah because it is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and every sane adult Muslim who is eligible to pay Zakat should also offer Aqiqah. 

Aqiqah is also important, because it helps to bring blessings and protection to the newborn baby and their family, and to ward off harm. 

Aqiqah is prescribed for every child. Thus give thanks on its behalf, and remove the harm off it.

Hadith | Tirmidhi

Aqiqah is  a beloved act of worship. In Islam, we are encouraged to remember Allah in all situations-  in both happy and difficult times, and to remember that everything in our lives is given by Him.  

Aqiqah is also one of the rights that a newborn baby has upon his parents, alongside listening to the Adhaan as the first sound he/ she hears and being given a good name. 

Aqiqah is a means of expressing happiness and gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a new baby. It’s also an important reminder to remember those in need when celebrating our blessings, and to unite friends and family members. 

What happens at an Aqiqah party?

At an Aqiqah party, family and friends gather to celebrate the birth of the newborn baby, usually in the new baby’s home, or a community centre. A portion of the Aqiqah meat is cooked and served to the guests. 

Guests also make dua for the new baby as it is welcomed into the community. Usually the Aqiqah party is combined with shaving the baby (on the seventh day after its birth), whereby the value of the weight of the hair shaved in gold or silver is given to those in need. The baby’s name is also usually announced at the Aqiqah party. 

It’s a wonderful occasion to welcome the baby into the world, according to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

Is Aqiqah compulsory in Islam?

No, Aqiqah is not compulsory in Islam. However, it is a highly emphasised Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

The unanimous view is that even if one does not perform Aqiqah at the birth of a newborn baby, they will not be held to account. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aqiqah mandatory?

There’s a difference of opinion on whether it’s a mandatory act or Sunnah Mu’akkadah (an act of worship performed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) continuously). The more dominant opinion is that it’s a Sunnah Mu’akkadah.

Can you conduct the Aqiqah on the seventh day after a child is born or on a specific day?

At the moment we can’t guarantee performing the Aqiqah on the seventh day, as we perform them throughout the year.

Why isn't the name of the child spoken at the time of slaughter?

According to Islamic Sharia Law and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it is not mandatory to say the name of a child. In fact, it is recommended to say “Bismillah”, “Allahu Akbar” during the slaughter.4

Do you need the child's date of birth to perform the Aqiqah?

We do not need the child’s date of birth in order to perform the sacrifice.

The Aqiqah process

Which animals are sacrificed?

Goats and sheep are sacrificed.

Is the meat from the sacrifce provided raw or cooked before being distributed?

We provide raw meat to our beneficiaries so that they may cook it to their preference.

Why is Aqiqah with Islamic Relief different?

Islamic Relief provides you with the opportunity to do something amazing by donating to the Aqiqah project. Your donation will provide a family in need with a meal to quell their hunger. They’ll have the vital nutrients they need to survive, and the chance to share in the celebration of new life.

Shaving your baby's head

After shaving my baby's head, how do I donate the weight of the hair in gold or silver?

Simply shave the head of your newborn, weigh the amount of shaved hair, equate that same weight in gold or silver value and finally provide it as a form of Sadaqah (voluntary charity).

When should I name my newborn child?

It is a Sunnah to name the baby on the seventh day after the birth of your child.

Is shaving my newborn's hair mandatory?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended it, therefore it is a Mustahab Sunnah.

When should I shave my newborn child's hair?

Shaving your new-born’s hair on the seventh day is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).