What is an aqiqah?
Yes, it's a sunnah: an aqiqah is a thank-you sacrifice for a new baby. Parents slaughter sheep or goats, traditionally on the seventh day after birth, and share the meat with family, friends and people in need. It's a sunnah, not an obligation for most scholars, and it can be done later or arranged through a charity abroad.
What the sunnah says
The Prophet ﷺ said that a child is "in pledge" for his aqiqah: an animal is sacrificed for him on the seventh day, his head is shaved and he's given a name (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1522, Sunan Abi Dawud 2838). He also said an aqiqah is offered for a newborn, so slaughter for him and remove harm from him (Sahih al-Bukhari 5472).
The usual amount is two sheep for a boy and one for a girl (Sunan Abi Dawud 2834, Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1513, graded hasan). One animal for a boy is also accepted by many scholars, especially if money is tight.
Is it required?
Most scholars, including the Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools, call it a confirmed sunnah. A minority view (some early scholars and the Zahiris) says it's obligatory, while many Hanafis treat it as permissible or recommended rather than emphasized. In short: it's a beautiful act of gratitude, but no one sins by skipping it if they can't afford it. It counts as voluntary giving, not zakat. See What is the difference between zakat and sadaqah?
The seventh day, step by step
- Sacrifice: sheep or goats that meet the same age and health conditions as the Eid sacrifice.
- Share the meat: eat some, gift some, give some to the poor. Many families cook it all for a family dinner instead.
- Shave the baby's head: many parents also give silver or its value in charity, based on reports about Fatimah's children. Scholars differ on the strength of those reports, so treat it as an optional extra.
- Name the baby: if you haven't already. Naming earlier is fine too: the Prophet ﷺ named a newborn when he was brought to him (Sahih al-Bukhari 5467).
Inviting non-Muslim relatives to the meal is a lovely way to include them in the joy. See Can I invite my non-Muslim family to Eid?
Doing it later or abroad
If the seventh day passes, many scholars say you can do it on the 14th or 21st day, or any time later. Some even allow adults who never had one to do it for themselves. Living in Europe or the USA, slaughtering at home usually isn't legal, so families either:
- order through a local halal butcher, who slaughters and prepares the meat; or
- pay a Muslim charity to perform the aqiqah abroad and give all the meat to families in need.
Both are valid. Check that the charity is reliable and tells you when it's done. See How do I choose a trustworthy charity for my zakat?
- An aqiqah is a sunnah sacrifice to thank Allah for a baby.
- Traditionally two sheep for a boy and one for a girl, on day seven.
- Shaving the hair and naming often happen the same day.
- You can do it later, through a butcher or a charity abroad.
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