Aqiqah Sacrifice
The hair on the head of a newborn child is called “aqiqah”. The sacrifice offered to Allah Almighty out of gratitude for the child is also called the “Aqiqah/Nasikah sacrifice”.
While the aqiqah sacrifice is being slaughtered, the child’s mother or father prays, “O Lord! This is the aqiqah of my child. May this sacrifice be a ransom for their salvation from the fire of Hell.”
Ruling on the Aqiqah Sacrifice
Offering an aqiqah sacrifice is mustahabb (recommended) in the Hanafi Madhhab, and sunnah in the other madhhabs. The aqiqah sacrifice can be slaughtered from the day the child is born. It is more virtuous to sacrifice it on the seventh day.
Animal to be Sacrificed
An animal suitable for qurban is also sufficient for aqiqah. It is sufficient to offer one sacrifice each for a boy and a girl. Some scholars have said that two sacrifices should be offered for a boy.
Aqiqah Sacrifice Can Be Offered Anytime
A person for whom an aqiqah sacrifice was not offered in their time can offer a sacrifice on their own behalf. Our Prophet (PBUH) offered an aqiqah for himself after declaring his prophethood by the command of Allah Almighty, and for his two grandsons when they were born.
The Meat of the Aqiqah Sacrifice
The owner can eat from the meat of the aqiqah sacrifice, feed others, and donate a portion or all of the meat, or the sacrifice itself. Children are a blessing from Allah. These sacrifices are an expression of gratitude for that blessing.
