This excerpt is taken from Sheikh Farooq Rafi Sahib's book Qurbani, Aqiqa, and Ashra Zil-Hijjah.
Ibn Qudamah Hanbali, may Allah have mercy on him, states that eating, giving as charity, and gifting the meat of Aqiqa is similar to Qurbani. The Shafi'i school of thought, may Allah have mercy on them, holds the same view. Ibn Sirin, may Allah have mercy on him, says: The one who performs Aqiqa has authority over its meat; he can dispose of it as he wishes.
Reference: Al-Mughni with Al-Sharh Al-Kabeer: 124/11.
Therefore, the recommended way for the one performing Aqiqa is to eat some of the meat himself, feed relatives and friends, and also give charity to the poor and needy.
Among common people, it is believed that since the child's head is given as charity in Aqeeqah, the head of the Aqeeqah animal, in particular, and the feet in general, should not be used personally and must be given as charity. One should not dare to introduce personal likes or dislikes into Shariah through the Book and Sunnah. Rather, the ruling on the head and feet is like the ruling on ordinary meat; they can be used personally as well as given in charity, both of which are permissible and lawful.
Some people celebrate the joy of Aqeeqah by lighting lamps, arranging henna, and organizing singing and dancing events. This practice is completely against Shariah and causes the displeasure of Allah Almighty. Therefore, it should be avoided, and the Sunnah method of Aqeeqah should be followed.
Fatwa of Sheikh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani, may Allah have mercy on him:
Question: Is applying henna on the occasion of Aqeeqah proven from the Ahadith?
Answer: Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, has made it obligatory for us to follow the example of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in acts of worship and dealings. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, performed Aqeeqah for Sayyiduna Hasan and Husayn, may Allah be pleased with them. However, there is no evidence anywhere that the women of the Prophet, peace be upon him, or other female companions engaged in applying henna, singing, playing drums, sarangis, or similar stimulants on this occasion. This indicates that it is a custom and has no relation to Islam. The correct reward for Aqeeqah will be attained only when it is performed according to the Sunnah of the Messenger. The Prophetic Hadith is:
من عمل عملا ليس عليه أمرنا فهو رد
"Whoever does an action which is not in accordance with our matter, it is rejected."
Reference: Muslim, Kitab al-Aqdiyah, Bab Naqdh al-Ahkam al-Batilah wa Radd Muhdathat al-Umur: 1718.
Therefore, such an act never attains acceptance before Allah if it is against Shariah and far from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.
Reference: Ahkam wa Masa'il by Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani: 529.
