Frequently Asked Questions About Aqiqah and Qurban

Table Of Content

1- What is Aqiqah?

Aqiqah is the act of sacrificing an animal in the occasion of a child birth.

It is, sunnah for it to be performed on the seventh day of the childbirth.

If unable to do so, one may slaughter on the fourteenth day, or the twenty-first day .Or the next of every seventh days ahead, whenever convinient.

This is inline with Syeikh Muhammad Arsyad Al-Banjari’s opinion in his book Sabil Al-Muhtadin

One of many Hadith on Aqiqah were reported by Abu Dawud, At Tirmidzi and Ibnu Majah :

“A boy is in pledge for his `Aqiqah. It will be slaughtered for him on the seventh day, his head is to be shaved and he is to be named.”

 

2- What is Aqiqah’s ruling?

Aqiqah is sunnah muakkadah (highly encouraged sunnah) for those who are capable to perform it.

This is based on a hadith from Salman bin Amir al-Dhabbi RA where he said:

I heard the Prophet PBUH said:

مَعَ الْغُلاَمِ عَقِيقَتُهُ فَأَهْرِيقُوا عَنْهُ دَمًا وَأَمِيطُوا عَنْهُ الأَذَى

‘Aqiqa is to be offered for a (newly born) boy, so slaughter (an animal) for him, and relieve him of his suffering.”

3- What is the Difference Between Aqiqah and Qurban?

Aqiqah : A great Sunnah of sacrificing an animal as a symbol of syukur (gratefulness) for the birth of a child.

Qurban : An ibadah (during Eidul Adha). Of sacrificing an animal to bring oneself closer to the Creator.

It is done in following the syariat of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Both are sunnah muakkadah (encouraged sunnah).

4- When Shall Aqiqah Be Performed?

The best time is on the seventh day of the child birth.

If missed due to a certain circumstances, it shall be done on the 14th, or if that is missed too, then on the 21st day.

Or, any subsequent of every 7th days from the child birth until the child hits puberty (baligh).

However if one is still incapable of an aqiqah within the time, they may do so at any other time whenever they are finally able to.

5- How Old is a Goat, That is Good for Aqiqah?

1. Goat:
At least 2 years old (366 days old)

2. Sheep:
At least 1 year old. (365 days old)

This is in accordance with a hadith from Abu Hurairah RA, who said, I heard the Prophet PBUH said:

نِعْمَتِ الْأُضْحِيَّةُ الْجَذَعُ مِنْ الضَّأْنِ

“The best male” – or – “female Udhiyah is that from the Jadha’ sheep.”

Reported by At-Tirmizi (1499)

6- How Many Aqiqah Goats Required for a Baby?

For a baby boy is 2 goats.

This is based on hadith from Ummul Mukminin, Aaisyah R.A;

Two (2) sheeps of similar age and quality are to be sacrificed for a baby boy (as `Aqiqah) and one (1) sheep for a baby girl

Reported by At-Tirmizi.

If one cannot afford to slaughter two sheeps at once for a male newborn, -it is permissible to slaughter one sheep first and the second later on.

This is the same case for Prophet Muhammad’s grandchildren, Hasan and Husain where the prophet performed aqiqah for them by slaughtering one sheep for each one of them – Reported by Abu Dawoud

7- How Many Aqiqah Goats Required for Baby Girl?

For baby girl is one (1) goat.

This is based on hadith from Ummul Mukminin, Aaisyah R.A;

Two (2) sheeps of similar age and quality are to be sacrificed for a baby boy (as `Aqiqah) and one (1) sheep for a baby girl

Reported by At-Tirmizi.

8- Is It Permissible to Pick Cows for Aqiqah?

Yes, it is.

In madhhab Syafie, it is permissible to replace goat with parts of cow or camel.

This is stated by al-Imam al-Nawawi Rahimahullah in his book al-Majmu’:

مَذْهَبُنَا جَوَازُ الْعَقِيقَةِ بِمَا تَجُوزُ بِهِ الْأُضْحِيَّةُ مِنْ الابل والبقر والغنم وبه قال أنس ابن مَالِكٍ وَمَالِكُ بْنُ أَنَسٍ وَحَكَى ابْنُ الْمُنْذِرِ عَنْ حَفْصَةَ بِنْتِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ الصِّدِّيقِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ لَا يُجْزِئُ إلَّا الْغَنَمُ

The meaning: Our madhhab (al-Syafie), ruled it permissible for aqiqah with animals of slaughter, such as camel, cow, and goat and this is the opinion of Anas bin Malik and Malik bin Anas.

9- One Cow is Equal to How Many Aqiqah/Babies?

One goat is equivalent to one part of a cow and camel.

That is 1/7 of a cow. So the whole cow can be shared for a few aqiqahs/babies.

This is stated by al-khatib al-Syarbini Rahimahullah in his book Mughni al-Muhtaj:

وَكَالشَّاةِ سُبْعُ بَدَنَةٍ أَوْ بَقَرَةٍ، فَلَوْ ذَبَحَ بَدَنَةً أَوْ بَقَرَةً عَنْ سَبْعَةِ أَوْلَادٍ، أَوْ اشْتَرَكَ جَمَاعَةٌ فِيهَا جَازَ، سَوَاءٌ أَرَادُوا كُلُّهُمْ الْعَقِيقَةَ أَوْ بَعْضُهُمْ الْعَقِيقَةَ وَبَعْضُهُمْ اللَّحْمَ

“And for a goat is equivalent to 1/7 (one part) of camel or cow. It is permissible for the camel or cow to be slaughtered for 7 children or shared with others, or it (all parts) is intentioned for aqiqah, or some for aqiqah and some just to get the meat”

10- What is the Condition Required of the Animals for Aqiqah?

It must be perfect physically.

For goats, they should have fur, and at least 2 years old.

For sheeps, they should come from those furry type like Kibasy and Kharuf.

They should be at least 1 year old or lose their front teeth, or whichever first between the two.

11- To Whom the Aqiqah Meats Are Given?

The difference between aqiqah meats and qurban meats is, the aqiqah’s meats are sunnah (encouraged) to be cooked first before serving and eaten by families, friends and the needy.

You can serve the meat to anyone you like.

With Aqiqah Centre, the meats are distributed among the needy around Mecca.

Meanwhile, qurban meats should be distributed raw in general.

12- Who is Allowed To Eat Aqiqah Meats?

The needy among muslims.

It is also suggested to eat partly from this ‘aqiqah meats, and partly to feed the relatives, friends and the poor.

It was reported that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said concerning the meat of the ‘aqeeqah:

“It should be cut into pieces, then eaten and given to others.” (Narrated by Ibn Abi Shaybah in al-Musannaf)

The parents of the child are allowed to eat the meats.

They must not eat the meats by themselves alone however.

It is also sunnah to give the legs part of the aqiqah to the midwife who assists the childbirth process.

13- What is the Ruling on Serving Aqiqah Meats to Non-muslims?

It is considered Makruh (highly disliked) if serving the meat to them while there is still needy muslim community in the area that is yet to be served.

It falls to Haraam if all the meats are given to non-muslims based on the hadith :

“Do not keep company with anyone but a believer and do not let anyone eat your food but one who is pious.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawud)

14- Can I Perform Aqiqah for Myself?

Performing aqiqah is a highly encouraged sunnah in Islam.

If your parents were having difficulties to do it for you before, you can do it for yourself.

This is because Aqiqah is not an obligation. If a person offered ‘Aqiqah for himself, even if he is grown up, it would be good.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) performed aqiqah for himself at the age of 40 after being made the prophet.

15- Is It Permissible for Anyone Else Other Than the Parents to Perform Aqiqah on Their Child’s Behalf?

The Prophet Muhammad’s himself performed aqiqah for his grandchildren, Hassan bin Ali and Hussain bin Ali, where he wanted to help her daughter Fatimah Azzahra r.a.

For baby boy that requires 2 goats,  1 goat may be sponsored by someone else, and the other goat on your own, and both are executed by Aqiqah Centre in Mecca .

16- What Are the Other Sunnah/ibadah/tradition That Should Be Perform for a Newborn Child Other Than Aqiqah?

Other than aqiqah on the 7th day, it is also sunnah to shave the baby’s head and give charity in the similar weighs of the hair in gold or silver.

Apart from that, one may name their child with good meaning and announce it to family and friends during this time too.