Aqiqah – Gratitude through Sacrifice

Aqiqah is the Islamic tradition of giving charity by sacrificing animals after the birth of a new baby. Aqiqah is performed by the parents/guardian for expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the blessing of having a child, protection from Shaytaan, expiation of sins and preventing any
calamities.

What is the purpose of Aqiqah?

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions used to perform Aqiqah when they were bestowed with a newborn. There are many benefits in the performance of Aqiqah:

• The birth of the baby is announced in the family and community; being bestowed with a child is a great blessing from the Creator.
• Welcoming a newborn to the family is more than a celebration; family members, relatives, neighbors, and friends are invited to celebrate the blessed occasion.
• The poor should be included in the celebration by offering them food and meat served on this occasion.

Is Aqiqah obligatory?

Although the Aqiqah is not obligatory, it contains many benefits and Muslim parents who have means are encouraged to perform it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Slaughter two comparable sheep for a male newborn and one sheep for a female.” If one cannot afford to slaughter two sheep for a male newborn, it is acceptable to slaughter one only.

When to perform Aqiqah

It is recommended to offer the Aqiqah sacrifice on the seventh, fourteenth or twenty-first day after the childbirth. If this is not possible, it can be performed on any day until the age of puberty.

Which animals to be sacrificed

The condition of the animals for Aqiqah is the same as the conditions for the animals for Qurbani. The animals to be slaughtered must be goats, sheep, cows or camels. For camels, it must be older than 6 years, for cows the age must be older than 3 years and for goats, it must be older than two years. They must be free from any form of physical defects such as blindness, sickness, limping and undernourished. The animals must be slaughtered in the appropriate humane ways.

At Muslim Response USA, we sacrifice the Aqiqah animal on your behalf with our best intentions. We comply with the Islamic traditions and ensure that:

• Sharia compliant animals are sacrificed 
• Animals are well-fed and kept in healthy & humane conditions
• Cleanliness is maintained in the slaughtering and meat distribution
• Beneficiaries include widows, orphans, disabled & the elderly

Muslim Response USA has the capacity to sacrifice the Aqiqah animal at 24 hours’ notice and we ensure that donor’s preferred time frame is implemented.  

By offering your Aqiqah through Muslim Response USA, you can share the blessings and joy of your lovely newborn with the extremely poor and at risk families in Asia and Africa.