Aqiqah in Islam is a prestigious ritual that shows parents’ love and concern for their children. It should be performed simply but generously. In Islam, the Last Prophet ﷺ, exhibits clear directions about the Aqiqah Ceremony.
All Muslims can slaughter two goats on the birth of a baby boy and one sheep or goat on the birth of a baby girl. In this article, we discussed all the questions related to the Aqiqah in Islam, such as,
In This Article; We Cover
- What is aqiqah in Islam?
- Is the Aqiqah function obligatory?
- Why should we perform Aqiqah?
- Who should be performing the Aqiqah function?
- When should Aqiqah be performed?
- What should be sacrificed on the Aqiqah function?
- Method of performing Aqiqah for the boy
- Method of performing Aqiqah for the girl
- What should the Aqiqah function theme be in Islam?
- Conclusion
Importance of Aqiqah in Islam
“The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) commanded us to sacrifice two sheep for a boy’s ‘Aqiqah and one sheep for a girl.” Yazid bin ‘Abdul-Muzani narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Offer an ‘Aqiqah for the boy, but do not smear his head with blood.”
Aqiqah in Islam is a traditional practice of profound significance to the Islamic family. It is a way to welcome a new child into the world, show gratitude, pray, and share the blessings of a new life with family and friends.
There is a purpose behind this Islamic cultural tradition; in this blog, we will explore the primary objective and the other frequently asked questions, but mainly, this beautiful and spiritual ritual chooses to mark the occasion with a gathering, And people want to make it a memorable Aqiqah ceremony event as they welcome a new soul.
Understanding Aqiqah in Islam: Significance and Practices
What is Aqiqah in Islam?
This momentous occasion, performed by Muslims when a child is born, Muslims sacrifice an animal and distribute meat among the poor, friends, and family. This is how to celebrate new life under the guidance of the last Prophet ﷺ.
Is the Aqiqah Ceremony (Function) Obligatory?
Aqiqah Ceremony (function) is not necessary, but although this ritual is sunnah and the Prophet ﷺ and his companions used to perform it to celebrate the joy of a new baby, it is a highly recommended Sunnah as our beloved last Prophet ﷺ performed aqiqah for Hassan and Husain (ra).
Why Should We Perform Aqiqah in Islam?
Aqiqah is a method or procedure to show or express thankfulness and gratitude to Allah Kareem for the blessing of having a child; many scholars have mentioned that aqiqah keeps the child away from shaitan and evil eyes and wards off illnesses in the children’s life,
Moreover, this tradition reminds parents that their children have rights over them and are responsible for the newly born child, so this is the most beautiful way to celebrate parents’ children bonding.
Who Should be Performing the Aqiqah Ceremony?
It is directed that Aqiqah Should be performed by the Guardians Of The newborn baby, mostly parents or grandparents. According to many religious scholars, a person who can pay the card and has the money status to perform this ritual must slaughter sheep or goats on the birth of his child.
When Should Aqiqah Ceremony be Performed?
Aqeeqah event Should be performed on the 7th day of the baby’s birth, and if it is not possible to perform on the 7th day, parents can arrange this aqiqah Ceremony event on any 7th day onwards, like (14th, 21st, etc.)
Some parents are not financially stable, so they can perform aqiqah ceremony events until the child has become mature or adult.
There is flexibility, and many scholars alike can perform this function until death. Adults can perform this function for themselves if it was not done when they were babies.
What Should be Sacrificed on the Aqiqah Ceremony (Function)?
Mostly sheep or goats are slaughtered or sacrificed for the birth of boys and girls, but Muslims sacrifice two sheep for the birth of a baby boy and one for a baby girl. There is no limit, and any Muslim can get it. there is no limit to how many animals you can offer.
Aishah (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said, ‘Slaughter for a boy two compatible sheep and a girl, just one. It does not matter whether the sheep are male or female. [Ahmad]
What Type of Animal Should be Offered for Aqiqah Ceremony?
For the animal of aqiqah ceremony, we apply the same rule as we apply for Eid al-Adha animals.
The animal’s age should be at least 6 months for goats and up to 12 months. The animal should be healthy, with no broken horns or teeth.
The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘The best Qurbani is the one which is expensive and very fat.
Method of Performing Aqiqah Ceremony for the Baby Boy
The method of performing aqiqah ceremony is straightforward: we need to intend an aqiqah on behalf of the baby, and the parents should recite the following dua.
Aqiqah for a Boy:
In the name of God and through God, this is the Aqiqah of…. (name of the boy), son of …. (name of the father): its flesh (i.e., the flesh of the sacrifice of the Aqiqah) for his flesh blood, its bone for his bone, its hair for his hair, its skin for his skin. O God, let it protect the family of Muhammad ﷺ and his family.
Method of Performing Aqiqah for the Girls
In the Name of God and through God, this is the Aqiqah of…..(name of the girl), daughter of …. (name of the father): its flesh for her flesh, its blood for her blood, its bones for her bones, its hair for her hair, its skin for her skin. O God, let it be a protection of the family of Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family.
What Should the Aqiqah Function Theme be in Islam?
Aqiqah is an act of worship and a celebration that shows gratitude for Allah. We cannot offer an equal amount in charity instead of performing this holy event.
This event reminds us of the poor and teaches us that we should remember friends and family and the needy in our celebrations. Aqiqa events in Islam should be simple but satisfying if we talk about the aqiqa theme in Islam, many Aqiqa event organisers can manage and arrange this effortlessly. These aqiqa theme event planners can provide different trendy ideas and be able to manage without any chaos; Parents can enjoy the company of friends and family with their newborns.
Avoid overspending and excessive music at the Aqiqah ceremony. Ensure the sacrificed animal is distributed fairly to the poor community. Remember to also perform the Sadka, which involves sacrificing a goat or sheep equal to the weight of a child’s hair.