Aqiqa·4 min read
Aqiqah: rules in Islam, for a girl or a boy, when to do it and how to do it abroad
How many sheep for a girl or a boy, which day, what to do with the meat, and can the Aqiqah be done abroad? Everything you need to know, with the reference hadiths.
Contents
A child has just been born. Between short nights and visits, one question comes up for every young Muslim parent: how to do the Aqiqah, and when? Here are the rules as reported in the texts, the scholars' views on the points of discussion, and a simple solution if you cannot sacrifice yourself.
What is the Aqiqah?
The Aqiqah (عقيقة) is the sacrifice of one or two sheep on the occasion of a child's birth, as a sign of gratitude to Allah. It is a strongly recommended Sunnah according to the majority of scholars (obligatory for some). It goes together with choosing the name and shaving the newborn's head.
“Every child is held in pledge for his Aqiqah: it is sacrificed for him on the seventh day, he is named and his head is shaved.”
Reported by Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i, from Samurah ibn Jundub.
Aqiqah for a girl or a boy: how many sheep?
- Boy: two sheep of similar quality.
- Girl: one sheep.
“For the boy two equivalent sheep, and for the girl one sheep.”
Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi, from 'Aishah.
If means are lacking, a single sheep for a boy is accepted: the Prophet ﷺ sacrificed one ram for each of his grandsons al-Hasan and al-Husayn according to a version reported by Abu Dawud.
When to do the Aqiqah?
The seventh day after birth is the recommended time. If that is not possible, scholars mention the 14th, then the 21st day, then as soon as one can. A late Aqiqah remains valid: better late than never.
Which animal, and how to share the meat?
The conditions are those of the Eid sacrifice: a sheep at least six months to one year old depending on the breed, without visible defect. The meat may be eaten by the family, given as gifts, and given to the poor. It is recommended to cook the meat before distributing it, and it is not obligatory to divide it into three equal parts.
Doing the Aqiqah abroad: is it allowed?
Yes. The Aqiqah is a sacrifice, and a sacrifice may be entrusted to a representative (wakil), just as the Prophet ﷺ entrusted 'Ali with part of his sacrifices during the pilgrimage. The sacrifice is made in the child's name, the name is pronounced at the moment of slaughter, and the meat is distributed where it is most needed.
It is often the most useful solution: in Europe, an Aqiqah costs the price of two sheep plus the abattoir, and the meat ends up in an already full freezer. Abroad, the same Aqiqah feeds families who almost never eat meat.
How Sanabil carries out your Aqiqah
- You give the child's first name, girl or boy, and the number of sheep.
- We sacrifice according to the Sunnah, pronouncing the child's name.
- The meat is distributed to families in need.
- You receive the video on WhatsApp, to show your child later.
Every service is reviewed and approved by our Sharia Board.
Carry out your child's Aqiqah, in their name, with a video
Frequently asked questions
Can the Aqiqah be done with a goat or a share of beef?
The Sunnah mentions the sheep (or ewe). The goat is accepted by the majority. For beef or camel, views differ; to be safe, Sanabil carries out Aqiqahs with sheep.
Do I have to be present at the sacrifice?
No. Delegation is permitted. Attending is recommended if you sacrifice yourself, but it is not a condition of validity. The video lets you keep a record.
Can the Aqiqah be done for an older child?
Yes. A late Aqiqah remains valid. Many parents do it for several children at once.
Must I eat some of the meat of an Aqiqah done abroad?
No. Eating some is recommended but not obligatory. When the meat is distributed to the needy, the Aqiqah is fully valid.
Take action
Carry out your child's Aqiqah, in their name
Sacrifice carried out according to the Sunnah, meat distributed to families in need, video sent on WhatsApp.
