What is Aqiqah?

At the birth of a child, the Aqiqah is performed as part of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It involves the sacrifice of livestock; such as goats and sheep. It usually takes place on the seventh day after a baby’s birth. However, there’s nothing wrong with doing it at a later time.

The sacrifice is then divided between the family members who are carrying out the sacrifice. It’s then handed out to the poor and needy.

Aqiqah Donation

Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
Slaughter two comparable sheep for a male newborn and one sheep for a female.

$220

fulfills an Aqiqah for a boy
(sacrifice of 2 sheep/goat)

$110

fulfills an Aqiqah for a girl
(sacrifice of 1 sheep/goat)

It’s recommended that a newborn’s head is shaved and Sadaqah is given to the value of the weight of the hair in silver.

Why is Aqiqah important?

At Islamic Relief, we have a duty to be there for those who are most in need of our support.

Millions of people struggle everyday with poverty. Many people go days and months without proper food. Your donation could provide a family with a meal and give them the vital nutrients they need. They would also have the chance to share in the celebration of new life. The reward of this beloved Sunnah benefits so many of us.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided an Aqiqah to each of his two grandsons, Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husain.

How can Islamic Relief make your Aqiqah special?

Islamic Relief has designed its Aqiqah Project to allow people to donate the sacrifice meal directly to those most in need.

The Aqiqah Project provides an opportunity for those who cannot afford to purchase meat, to have the nutritional benefit of an Islamic Relief Meat Packet. The project involves the distribution of these fresh meat packets to the most vulnerable people, including women, children, the elderly and refugees. Each meat packet distributed contains a sufficient amount of meat (5kgs on average) for a family.

Aqiqah FAQs

Here’s a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that you can use for further guidance.

Is Aqiqah mandatory?

There’s a difference of opinion on whether it’s a mandatory act or Sunnah Mu’akkadah (an act of worship performed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) continuously). The more dominant opinion is that it’s a Sunnah Mu’akkadah.

Can you conduct the Aqiqah on the seventh day after the child is born or on a specific day?

At the moment we can’t guarantee performing the Aqiqah on the seventh day, as we perform Aqiqah’s throughout the year.

Why isn't the name of the child spoken at the time of slaughter?

According to Islamic Sharia Law and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it is not mandatory to say the name of a child. In fact, it is recommended to say “Bismillah”, “Allahu Akbar” during the slaughter.

How much does Aqiqah cost?

The Aqiqah donation costs $110.

Do you need the child's date of birth to perform the Aqiqah?

We do not need the child’s date of birth in order to perform the Aqiqah.

The Aqiqah process

Which animals are sacrificed as part of the Aqiqah?

In the Aqiqah, goats and sheep are sacrificed.

Why can't donors choose where the Aqiqah is performed?

As much as we one day hope to issue Aqiqah’s in all of our field offices across the globe, at present it would consume a larger portion of the funds raised for this project to have Aqiqah’s performed in small numbers at each of these locations.

We have trained our Ethiopia office to implement the Aqiqah Project and fulfil our donors’ wishes. However, should the Aqiqah project increase in size, we hope to further our reach, insha’Allah.

What country or region is the Aqiqah performed in?

The Aqiqah takes place in Ethiopia.

Is the meat for the Aqiqah provided raw or cooked before being distributed?

We provide raw meat to our beneficiaries so that they may cook it to their preference.

Why is Aqiqah with Islamic Relief different?

Islamic Relief provides you with the opportunity to do something amazing by donating to the Aqiqah Project. Your Aqiqah donation will provide a family in need with a meal to quell their hunger. They’ll have the vital nutrients they need to survive, and the chance to share in the celebration of new life.

Shaving your baby’s head

After shaving my baby's head, how do I donate the weight of the hair in gold or silver?

Simply shave the head of your new-born, weigh the amount of shaved hair, equate that same weight in gold or silver value and finally provide it as a form of Sadaqah (voluntary charity).

When should I name my new-born child?

It is a Sunnah to name the baby on the seventh day after the birth of your child.

Is shaving my new-born child's hair mandatory?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended it, therefore it is a Mustahab Sunnah.

When should I shave my new-born child hair?

Shaving your new-born’s hair on the seventh day is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

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