This excerpt is taken from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women" based on the Fatwas of the Scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
«كل غلام مرتهن بعقيقته تذبح يوم سابعه و يسمي» [صحيح سنن ابن ماجه، رقم الحديث 3165]
"Every child is held in pledge by his ‘Aqīqah; it should be slaughtered on the seventh day, and he should be named."
However, this Hadith primarily indicates the emphasis and importance of the practice rather than making it obligatory. The Sunnah is to slaughter two goats or sheep for a male child, and one goat or sheep for a female child. If one goat is sacrificed for a male child, that is also sufficient, in shā’ Allāh.
It is also permissible to slaughter the two goats at separate times, for instance, one after one week and the other after two weeks.
The primary responsibility for ‘Aqīqah lies with the father, as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a child. However, if the grandfather, brother, or anyone else buys and slaughters the animal on behalf of the child, it is considered sufficient. Similarly, if someone contributes toward the purchase of the ‘Aqīqah animal, that is also permissible.
According to the Sunnah, the distribution of the meat should be done in the following manner:
It is also permissible to hold a feast (walīmah) and invite relatives and friends, or even to donate all the meat in charity, if desired.
و الله أعلم
(And Allah knows best)
— ʿAbdullah bin ʿAbdur-Raḥmān al-Jabrīn حفظه الله
❀ Question:
What is the ruling on slaughtering an animal for ‘Aqīqah on behalf of a child, whether male or female? Is it obligatory to slaughter two goats for a male child? What if only one goat is slaughtered and a long time has passed since then—what is the ruling? What if a grandfather performs the ‘Aqīqah for his grandson—will that be valid? Is it permissible for others to contribute in purchasing the animal for ‘Aqīqah? What is the ruling on holding a feast on the occasion of ‘Aqīqah, and what procedure should be followed in doing so?❀ Answer:
‘Aqīqah refers to the sacrifice offered on behalf of a newborn child and it is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah). Some scholars even consider it obligatory, based on the statement of the Prophet ﷺ:«كل غلام مرتهن بعقيقته تذبح يوم سابعه و يسمي» [صحيح سنن ابن ماجه، رقم الحديث 3165]
"Every child is held in pledge by his ‘Aqīqah; it should be slaughtered on the seventh day, and he should be named."
However, this Hadith primarily indicates the emphasis and importance of the practice rather than making it obligatory. The Sunnah is to slaughter two goats or sheep for a male child, and one goat or sheep for a female child. If one goat is sacrificed for a male child, that is also sufficient, in shā’ Allāh.
It is also permissible to slaughter the two goats at separate times, for instance, one after one week and the other after two weeks.
The primary responsibility for ‘Aqīqah lies with the father, as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a child. However, if the grandfather, brother, or anyone else buys and slaughters the animal on behalf of the child, it is considered sufficient. Similarly, if someone contributes toward the purchase of the ‘Aqīqah animal, that is also permissible.
According to the Sunnah, the distribution of the meat should be done in the following manner:
- One-third for personal use,
- One-third as a gift to friends,
- One-third as charity to the needy.
It is also permissible to hold a feast (walīmah) and invite relatives and friends, or even to donate all the meat in charity, if desired.
و الله أعلم
(And Allah knows best)
— ʿAbdullah bin ʿAbdur-Raḥmān al-Jabrīn حفظه الله
