Aqiqah is the Sunnah sacrifice offered in gratitude to Allah for a newborn. Its roots are authentic hadith; its practice is beloved across Muslim communities worldwide.
Ruling
- Shafi\u2018i, Maliki, Hanbali: Sunnah mu\u2019akkadah (strongly recommended).
- Hanafi: Mubah / recommended good practice.
When
The Sunnah is the 7th day after birth (counting the day of birth as day one). If missed, the 14th, then the 21st. If those pass, any time after is valid.
How many animals
Boy: Two sheep of equal condition. Girl: One sheep. A seventh share of a cow or camel is accepted by most madhhabs.
Hadith basis
Samurah ibn Jundub narrated: “Every child is in pledge for his aqiqah, sacrificed for him on the seventh day, his hair is shaved and he is given a name.” (Abu Dawud 2838; authentic.)
Distribution of the meat
Following the qurbani pattern: one-third for family, one-third for friends and neighbours (including non-Muslim neighbours), one-third for the poor.
Accompanying Sunnahs of day 7
- Naming \u2014 our 800 Muslim baby names.
- Shaving the head and silver sadaqah equal to the weight of the hair.
- Tahneek \u2014 see our first 7 days Sunnah guide.
Global catering options
Many families arrange aqiqah through charities that slaughter overseas and distribute to needy communities \u2014 valid and impact-maximising. In the UK: Islamic Relief, Muslim Hands, Eid Adhi Trust. In the US: ShariahBoard, ICNA Relief. In Pakistan/India/Bangladesh: Al-Mustafa Welfare Trust, Edhi, BRAC. In the UAE/Gulf: confirm with your local masjid. Book around 2 weeks ahead.
Niyyah & dua
When the animal is slaughtered on behalf of the child:
\u0628\u0650\u0633\u0652\u0645\u0650 \u0627\u0644\u0644\u064E\u0651\u0647\u0650 \u0648\u064E\u0627\u0644\u0644\u064E\u0651\u0647\u064F \u0623\u064E\u0643\u0652\u0628\u064E\u0631\u064F\u060C \u0627\u0644\u0644\u064E\u0651\u0647\u064F\u0645\u064E\u0651 \u0647\u064E\u0630\u0650\u0647\u0650 \u0639\u064E\u0642\u0650\u064A\u0642\u064E\u0629\u064F [\u0627\u0633\u0645 \u0627\u0644\u0637\u0641\u0644]
“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest. O Allah, this is the aqiqah of [child\u2019s name].”
Fiqh questions \u2014 consult a scholar you trust.