Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him), he says that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about ‘Aqiqah. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied: “Allah Almighty dislikes «عقوق» (i.e., ill-treatment and disobedience).” It seemed that the word «عقيقه» was disliked by him (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Companions said: O Messenger of Allah! We want to ask you that when a child is born to any of us (should ‘Aqiqah be performed or not). He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever wants to slaughter an animal on behalf of his child, let him do so; for a boy, two sheep (or goats, whether male or female) of similar age, and for a girl, one.”