The aqiqah sacrifice is the animal slaughtered as an expression of gratitude to Almighty God on the occasion of the birth of a newborn child. Holding a deeply rooted place in the Islamic tradition, the aqiqah sacrifice is both a spiritual act of thanksgiving and a tangible way of sharing joy with family, relatives, and those in need. This comprehensive guide presents accurate information about the aqiqah sacrifice, examining in detail its ruling, when it is performed, which animal is chosen, and the matters that should be observed in practice.
What Is the Aqiqah Sacrifice?
The aqiqah sacrifice is the animal slaughtered as a sign of gratitude to God for a newborn child, defined in the fiqh literature as a distinct act of worship. The word “aqiqah” literally means “to cut” and “the hair of a newborn child.” In its technical usage, it refers to the animal slaughtered on the occasion of a child’s birth.
This act of worship may be performed at any time from the birth of the child up to the age of puberty (bulugh); however, its most meritorious time is the seventh day after birth.
The Ruling on the Aqiqah Sacrifice According to the Schools of Law
The juristic ruling on the aqiqah sacrifice differs according to the schools of law:
- According to the Hanafi school: It is permissible (mubah) or recommended (mandub). While it is a good and rewarding deed to perform, abandoning it does not entail any religious sanction.
- According to the Shafi’i school: It is a sunnah. This act of worship, which the Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended and is established as having been consistently practised, is strongly recommended by the Shafi’i scholars.
- According to the Maliki and Hanbali schools: It is a sunnah. Both schools have accepted the aqiqah as a sunnah established by the practice and words of the Prophet.
In short, in none of the four major schools is the aqiqah obligatory (fard); rather, it is an act of worship that is recommended to be carried out.
The Religious Evidence for the Aqiqah Sacrifice
The practice of aqiqah is a sunnah established by sound (sahih) hadith. The Prophet (peace be upon him) personally offered the aqiqah sacrifice for his grandsons Hasan and Husayn and recommended this act of worship to his community.
A Hadith Concerning the Aqiqah Sacrifice
The hadith narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbas (may God be pleased with them both) is as follows:
أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَقَّ عَنِ الْحَسَنِ وَالْحُسَيْنِ كَبْشًا كَبْشًا
Transliteration: “Anna Rasulallahi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam aqqa anil-Hasani wal-Husayni kabshan kabsha.”
Meaning: “The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) slaughtered a ram each as an aqiqah sacrifice for his grandsons Hasan and Husayn.”
Our mother Aisha (may God be pleased with her), meanwhile, indicating that the sacrifice offered at Eid al-Adha (udhiyah) lifted the obligatory dimension of certain practices, made clear the character of the aqiqah as a voluntary act of thanksgiving.
When Is the Aqiqah Sacrifice Performed?
The most meritorious time for the aqiqah sacrifice is the seventh day after birth. In cases where it cannot be performed on the seventh day, it may be performed on any day until the child reaches puberty. Some scholars have held that this act of worship may also be made up after puberty; however, there are differing views within the schools on this matter.
Furthermore, the aqiqah may also be carried out on the days of Eid al-Adha that coincide with the seventh day after birth. A coincidence of dates does not affect the validity of the act of worship.
How Is the Aqiqah Sacrifice Performed? Points to Observe in Practice
Which Animals May Be Slaughtered as an Aqiqah Sacrifice?
All animals that are permissible to slaughter at Eid al-Adha (udhiyah) may also be slaughtered as an aqiqah sacrifice. Sheep, goats, cattle, camels, and water buffalo are suitable animals for the aqiqah. In practice, the most common choice is sheep or goats.
Is There a Difference Between a Boy and a Girl?
According to the generally accepted practice, it is sufficient to slaughter one sheep for both a boy and a girl. Some scholars have stated that it is also appropriate to slaughter two sacrifices for a boy; however, this is of a desirable (mustahabb) nature, not obligatory. For a girl, a single sacrifice is sufficient by consensus.
Sharing Shares in Large Livestock
In large livestock such as cattle or camels, the aqiqah sacrifice admits partnership of up to seven shares. Part of the same animal may be set aside with the intention of the Eid sacrifice (udhiyah), part as aqiqah, and part as a vow (nadhr). In Hanafi fiqh, such mixed-intention partnerships are regarded as permissible.
The Practice of Shaving and Almsgiving
On the seventh day after birth, along with the aqiqah slaughter, it is recommended (mustahabb) to shave the child’s hair and to give in alms (sadaqah) the value in gold or silver equal to the weight of the shaved hair. Although this practice is not obligatory, it is strongly recommended by the scholars.
Differing Views Concerning the Bones
Differing views exist among Islamic scholars regarding the bones of the aqiqah sacrifice. One group of scholars considered not breaking the bones to be recommended (mustahabb), as a wish for the child’s well-being, while others stated that there is no decisive condition on this matter.
Who May Eat from the Meat of the Aqiqah Sacrifice?
Unlike the vow (nadhr) sacrifice, everyone, including the person offering the sacrifice, the mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, and the children, may eat from the meat of the aqiqah sacrifice. While it is recommended to distribute part of the meat to the poor, it is also permissible to consume all of it with family and guests. The restrictions applied to the vow sacrifice do not apply to aqiqah meat.
What Are the Wisdoms of the Aqiqah Sacrifice?
Islamic scholars state that the aqiqah sacrifice embodies several fundamental wisdoms:
- To announce the existence of the newborn to relatives, neighbours, and the community, and to share this joy.
- To offer sincere gratitude to Almighty God for the granting of the blessing of life.
- To establish a spiritual bond for the child’s health and well-being, and to express a prayer and intention aimed at protecting the child from possible misfortunes.
- To keep alive the culture of solidarity and sharing within the Islamic community.
Can the Aqiqah Be Performed by Proxy?
Since the aqiqah sacrifice is an act of worship in which the financial aspect predominates, it is permissible to have it performed by proxy in another city or country. It is sufficient for the intention to be made by the person offering the sacrifice; the proxy carries out the slaughter on behalf of the person offering the sacrifice.
Can the Aqiqah Sacrifice Be Performed at Eid al-Adha?
Yes, the aqiqah sacrifice may also be performed on the days of Eid. A person who is a partner in a large animal with the intention of the Eid sacrifice (udhiyah) may set aside one share of the same animal with the intention of aqiqah. This combination is regarded as permissible in Hanafi fiqh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the aqiqah sacrifice obligatory, and is it a sin to abandon it?
According to the Hanafi school, the aqiqah sacrifice is permissible (mubah) or recommended (mandub); abandoning it is not considered a sin. In the Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, it is regarded as a sunnah and is strongly recommended to be carried out. In none of the four major schools is the aqiqah obligatory (fard).
Can the aqiqah sacrifice be performed at Eid al-Adha?
Yes, the aqiqah sacrifice may also be performed on the days of Eid. A person who enters into a partnership in a large animal with the intention of the Eid sacrifice may set aside one share of the same animal with the intention of aqiqah. In Hanafi fiqh, this practice is permissible.
Is it sufficient if we give the cost of the aqiqah sacrifice as alms instead?
No. The act of sacrifice is fulfilled by the shedding of blood, that is, by the slaughter of the animal. Merely giving its cost as alms does not take the place of the sacrifice; this is a separate deed of almsgiving.
