Aqiqah in Islam: Understanding the Purpose and Rules

Childbirth is one of the most beautiful moments for a family. And in Islam, as a gesture of gratitude, we celebrate this auspicious occasion with a well-know ritual called Aqiqah. It is the Islamic alternative to a baby shower. However, it is held after the baby is born. Hosted by the newborn’s family itself, it involves the sacrifice of an animal and the distribution of meat among the poor, relatives, and neighbours as a way of celebrating the baby’s arrival and thanking Allah (SWT) for his blessings. 

But when exactly should Aqiqah be done? How and why is it performed? What are the rules to follow? Performing Aqiqah requires a complete understanding of the dos and don'ts, rules, and the purpose behind its legitimacy. In this blog, we will clarify all the aspects and answer all your questions related to it. Read along to find your answers. 

Significance of Aqiqah in Islam:
Prophet Muhammad mentioned Aqiqah in a Hadith, affirming its significance:
"Salman b. 'Amir ad Dabbl reported hearing God's messenger say, 'With the birth of a boy comes Aqiqah, so let there be a sacrifice on his behalf, removing harm from him.'"

Aqiqah holds profound significance in Islam, reflecting both religious duty and cultural tradition. It is a practice that embodies gratitude towards Allah for the gift of a child as rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Its importance can be understood through various dimensions:

Gratitude to Allah - Firstly, Aqiqah serves as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of offspring. By sacrificing an animal and distributing its meat to the needy, parents acknowledge that their child is a divine gift, reinforcing the belief in the sanctity of life.
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Promoting Social Responsibility and Strengthening Family Ties - Aqiqah underscores social responsibility by providing an avenue for families to share their joy with the community, promoting bonds and solidarity. Additionally, by distributing meat to those in need, Aqiqah extends the blessings of the newborn beyond the family, benefiting the wider society. 

Rules and Guidelines for Aqiqah:
The Prophet Mohammad said:
“Every child is held in pledge for his’ Aqeeqah which is sacrificed for him on his seventh day, and he is named on it, and his head is shaved”

Here are the rules and guidelines outlined in Islamic teachings for performing Aqiqah:

Obligatory or Recommended Status:
The obligatory status of Aqiqah in Islam is a topic that has been subject to scholarly debate. The primary evidence supporting its recommendation comes from a Hadith narrated by Salman bin 'Amir al-Dabbi, in which he reported that he heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) say: "Along with a boy there is an 'Aqiqa, so shed blood on his behalf and remove injury from him." Based on this Hadith, scholars have reached different conclusions regarding the obligatory nature of Aqiqah. The General Iftaa' Department of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has determined that Aqiqah is a recommended Sunnah for those who can perform it. This means that while it is highly encouraged and virtuous to perform Aqiqah, it is not considered obligatory in the same way as the five pillars of Islam.

The ruling acknowledges the financial capabilities of individuals, stating that if someone cannot afford to perform Aqiqah before the end of the postnatal period, they are not held accountable. However, they are encouraged to perform it later on when they are able to do so. This flexibility demonstrates Islam's recognition of individual circumstances and capabilities.

Performers of Aqiqah:
Aqiqah is typically performed by the parents or guardians of the newborn child. Every adult Muslim who is eligible to pay Zakat or has enough financial capability should perform Aqiqah.

Timing of Aqiqah:
It is ideally performed on the seventh day after the baby's birth. If not possible on the seventh day, subsequent seventh days (14th, 21st, etc.) are acceptable.
Type and Number of Animals:Goats, sheep, rams, cows, buffaloes, and camels are the animals of Aqeeqah. The number of animals to be sacrificed depends on the gender of the newborn child. While this Hadith recommends sacrificing two animals for a boy and one for a girl, it's important to note that there is no strict limit on the number of animals that can be offered for Aqiqah. Some families may choose to offer more animals as an additional form of charity or as a means of expressing greater gratitude to Allah.

Eligibility of Animals:
The eligibility criteria for animals to be slaughtered in Aqiqah closely mirror those for Qurbani (sacrifice during Eid al-Adha). Sheep and goats selected for Aqiqah must be a minimum of six months old, while cows and buffaloes should reach at least two years of age. Camels, if chosen, should be a minimum of five years old. Crucially, all animals must be healthy, devoid of any defects or blemishes that might compromise their suitability for sacrifice. This includes being free from serious illnesses or disabilities. Additionally, animals should be in optimal physical condition, with intact horns, teeth, and no other noticeable impairments. 

Performance of Aqiqah:
Aqiqah should be performed by a designated slaughterman with the intention specified for the ritual. The name of the child and parents should be mentioned during the sacrifice, along with the recitation of specific supplications.

Shaving the Baby's Hair:
It is recommended to shave the baby's hair as a symbol of purification. The weight of the cut hair should be equivalent to its value in silver, which is then given as Sadaqah (charity) to the poor.
Distribution of Aqiqah Meat:The meat from Aqiqah should be divided into three parts:

• One part for the family of the child.
• One part is for relatives and friends.
• One part is to be distributed to the poor and needy.

Impact on Individuals Involved:The Aqiqah ceremony in Islam holds profound significance for both the newborn child and the parents involved, impacting them in various ways:
Newborn Child:

• Spiritual Connection: Through the Aqiqah ceremony, the newborn is introduced to Islamic traditions and teachings from the earliest stages of life. This initiation into religious practices helps them begin their spiritual journey and create a connection with Allah.
• Protection and Blessings: Aqiqah serves as a means of protection for the child, warding off evil influences and illnesses according to Islamic beliefs. 

Parents:

• Expression of Gratitude: Aqiqah provides parents with a formal opportunity to express gratitude to Allah for the blessing of their child. By sacrificing an animal and offering charity, parents demonstrate their appreciation for the gift of parenthood and reaffirm their faith in Allah's providence.
• Commitment to Islamic Upbringing: The Aqiqah ceremony symbolises the parents' commitment to raising their children in accordance with Islamic values and teachings. It serves as a reminder of their responsibility to instil faith, morality, and righteousness in their offspring, thereby nurturing a generation grounded in Islamic principles.
• Seeking Guidance and Blessings: Through the rituals of naming the child, shaving its head, and offering charity, parents seek divine guidance and blessings for their child's future. 
• Acknowledgement of Rights: By performing Aqiqah, parents recognise the rights that their children hold over them in Islam. This acknowledgement emphasises the importance of fulfilling parental responsibilities and nurturing the child as per Islamic principles.

Challenges and Misconceptions:Performing Aqiqah comes with its own set of challenges and misconceptions. Here are some of them:
Challenges:

• Finding a Suitable Animal: Sometimes, finding a suitable animal for sacrifice can be a challenge, especially in urban areas where access to livestock is limited. This can involve finding a healthy animal that meets the requirements of Aqiqah, which can be a logistical challenge.
• Financial Constraints: For some families, the cost of performing Aqiqah can be prohibitive, especially if they're experiencing financial difficulties. This can lead to delays or reluctance in performing the ritual.

Misconceptions:

• Aqiqah as a Mandatory Obligation: While Aqiqah is a recommended Sunnah in Islam, it's not mandatory. Some people may mistakenly believe that it's obligatory and feel guilty if they're unable to perform it.
• Overemphasis on Rituals: Sometimes, people may focus too much on the ritualistic aspects of Aqiqah, such as the type of animal sacrificed or the elaborate feast that follows, rather than understanding the underlying spiritual significance and intention behind the act.

Conclusion:
Aqiqah is more than a mere religious tradition; it is a deep-seated expression of gratitude, compassion, and community solidarity. May this cherished tradition continue to enrich our lives, deepen our faith, and strengthen the bonds of love and community for generations to come.