Aqiqah is a highly recommended practice that expresses gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a newborn. It is an act of worship that teaches devotion and generosity and promotes a sense of community.
In this post, we explain how to perform Aqiqah for newborn baby.
Why and Who Should Perform Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is a way to express our gratitude to Allah for the blessing of having a child. The act of worship is performed by the parents or guardians of the newborn baby.
Most scholars agree that every adult Muslim who has enough money to perform Aqiqah should perform it.
Is It Obligatory?
Aqiqah is a highly recommended practice but it is not obligatory. It is a practice that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his Companions used to perform.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed Aqiqah for his grandsons.
How to Perform Aqiqah for Newborn Baby
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Preparation: This includes selecting a suitable animal and the person who will carry out the slaughter.
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Slaughter: The animal is slaughtered by a qualified individual in accordance with Islamic guidelines.
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Shaving: It is recommended to shave the baby’s head seven days after birth. The hair is then weighed and the parents or guardians should give to charity its equivalent in silver.
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Meat distribution: The meat is then distributed to the family of the child, relatives, friends, and the needy.
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Celebration: If possible, the parents or guardians organize a simple feast to celebrate the birth of the newborn baby and express gratitude to Allah.
Recommended Age for Performing Aqiqah
That’s how to perform Aqiqah for newborn baby. What about the time? Ideally, it is performed when the child is seven days old.
However, if the parents or guardians cannot perform it on the 7th day after birth, they can do so on the 14th, 21st, or other convenient time.
There is no time limit for performing Aqiqah. That said, it is recommended to perform it as soon as possible when the parents or guardians are able.
Animals for Aqiqah
Sheep and goats are the common choice for Aqiqah. The number of animals for sacrifice depends on whether the newborn is a boy or a girl.
It is recommended to sacrifice two sheep or goats for a boy and one sheep or goat for a girl. However, if the parents of guardians of a boy can afford only one sheep or goat, it is acceptable.
Criteria for the Animals
Not all sheep or goats are eligible for Aqiqah. The animals should be of a certain age. In general, sheep or goats should be at least one year old.
The animals should be healthy, free from visible illnesses, and free from physical defects. The animals should also be in a good physical state and well-nourished.
Meat Distribution
The distribution of meat from Aqiqah is usually divided into three parts: one-third for the family of the child, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the needy and poor.
This distribution ensures that Aqiqah benefits not only the immediate family of the newborn but also the wider community, thus fostering unity and strengthening the bonds of the community.
If you like to learn more of what are the rules for aqiqah, you can read more here.
FAQs How to Perform Aqiqah for Newborn Baby
What is the purpose of Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is a highly recommended practice to express gratitude to Allah for a newborn baby.
Is performing Aqiqah mandatory?
No, it is not obligatory, but it is a highly recommended act of worship for parents who are able to perform it.
When is the best time to perform Aqiqah?
Ideally, it should be performed on the baby's seventh day. However, it can also be done on the 14th, 21st, or any other convenient time.
Conclusion
Now you know how to perform Aqiqah for newborn baby. Although Aqiqah is not obligatory, it is a highly recommended act of worship that parents should do for their newborn if they are able to perform it.
A trusted Aqiqah service provider like Al Fajr can help you perform Aqiqah for your child.
Al Fajr offers Sharia-compliant and authentic services, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your child’s Aqiqah is performed in accordance with Islamic guidelines.
There are various add on services, allowing you to choose the one that meets your needs.
Al Fajr has reliable networks in Mecca and Indonesia, which ensures precision and care. For more information, visit Al Fajr.
