Source: Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of the Qur'an and Hadith, Volume 02
The Sunnah method regarding ‘Aqiqah is that it should be performed on the seventh day after the birth of the child. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Every child is held in pledge for his ‘Aqiqah, which is sacrificed for him on the seventh day, his name is given, and his head is shaved."
(Sunan Tirmidhi: 1522, Sunan Nasa’i: 4220, Sunan Abu Dawood: 2838)
This Hadith has been authenticated by Shaykh al-Albani رحمه الله.
If, due to some valid reason, ‘Aqiqah could not be performed on the seventh day, then it can still be performed on any later day without any issue. It will still be considered ‘Aqiqah and not some other form of charity. While the seventh day is preferable, it is not obligatory, and performing it after this day still carries the same religious ruling and significance.
‘Aqiqah is a form of charity, but when performed with the specific intention of ‘Aqiqah, it retains that name and purpose. It is an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of Allah’s blessings. Even if done later, it is still termed ‘Aqiqah, not general charity, and holds its original merit.
➊ Performing ‘Aqiqah on the seventh day is Sunnah, but it can be performed later if necessary.
➋ There is no harm in performing ‘Aqiqah even after one and a half years. It will still be regarded as valid ‘Aqiqah, not merely general charity.
➌ The purpose of ‘Aqiqah is to seek Allah’s pleasure and express gratitude. Thus, its reward and virtue remain intact even if performed later.
✿ The Sunnah Method of Performing ‘Aqiqah
The Sunnah method regarding ‘Aqiqah is that it should be performed on the seventh day after the birth of the child. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"Every child is held in pledge for his ‘Aqiqah, which is sacrificed for him on the seventh day, his name is given, and his head is shaved."
(Sunan Tirmidhi: 1522, Sunan Nasa’i: 4220, Sunan Abu Dawood: 2838)
This Hadith has been authenticated by Shaykh al-Albani رحمه الله.
✿ Can ‘Aqiqah Be Performed After the Seventh Day?
If, due to some valid reason, ‘Aqiqah could not be performed on the seventh day, then it can still be performed on any later day without any issue. It will still be considered ‘Aqiqah and not some other form of charity. While the seventh day is preferable, it is not obligatory, and performing it after this day still carries the same religious ruling and significance.
✿ Purpose of ‘Aqiqah
‘Aqiqah is a form of charity, but when performed with the specific intention of ‘Aqiqah, it retains that name and purpose. It is an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of Allah’s blessings. Even if done later, it is still termed ‘Aqiqah, not general charity, and holds its original merit.
❖ Summary
➊ Performing ‘Aqiqah on the seventh day is Sunnah, but it can be performed later if necessary.
➋ There is no harm in performing ‘Aqiqah even after one and a half years. It will still be regarded as valid ‘Aqiqah, not merely general charity.
➌ The purpose of ‘Aqiqah is to seek Allah’s pleasure and express gratitude. Thus, its reward and virtue remain intact even if performed later.
