Conditions of Sacrificial Animals in the Case of ʿAqīqah
Written by: Imran Ayoob Lahori
ʿAqīqah and the Conditions of Sacrificial Animals
In the Ahadith, the words شاة (one goat) or شاتين (two goats) are mentioned in an unrestricted manner. From this, it has been deduced that the specific conditions required for sacrificial animals (Udhiyah/Qurbani) are not binding in the case of ʿAqīqah.
✿ Imām al-Shawkānī رحمه الله stated:
From the general mention of the word شاتين (two goats), it is deduced that the conditions applied to sacrificial animals do not apply to animals for ʿAqīqah, and this is the correct view.
(Nayl al-Awṭār 3/506)
✿ ʿAllāmah ʿAbd al-Raḥmān Mubārakpūrī رحمه الله said:
No authentic Hadith proves that the conditions of sacrificial animals apply to ʿAqīqah animals—neither from a sound Hadith nor even from a weak one. Those who insist on applying such conditions have no evidence except analogical reasoning (qiyās).
(Tuḥfat al-Aḥwadhī 5/99)
✿ However, the phrase “comparable or equal” regarding ʿAqīqah animals suggests that the defects prohibited in sacrificial animals should also be avoided in animals for ʿAqīqah. And Allah knows best.
✿ Imām Ibn Qudāmah رحمه الله said:
Undoubtedly, in the case of ʿAqīqah, one should also avoid those defects that are prohibited in sacrificial animals.
(al-Mughnī 13/399)
✅ Summary:
- ʿAqīqah does not strictly require the same conditions as sacrificial animals.
- However, avoiding defects and faults in the animal, as in Udhiyah, is preferable and aligns with the spirit of Sharīʿah.
