The Aqeeqah is a sacrificial animal slaughtered for a newborn. It is an ancient Arab custom and a confirmed Sunnah in the Islamic religion. Many people have questions about the definition of the Aqeeqah, its rules and regulations , and other questions that you will find answers to in this article.
What is the linguistic and technical definition of Aqeeqah?
- Linguistic definition: Aqeeqah linguistically means cutting hair. The name of the sacrifice for a newborn goes back to an ancient Arab custom where they would cut the head of a newborn, then slaughter a sheep.
- Technical definition: Aqeeqah is technically an animal slaughtered for a newborn, whether male or female, as thanks to God for His blessings.
What are the rules of Aqeeqah?
- Time of Aqeeqah: It is recommended to slaughter the Aqeeqah on the seventh day after birth.
- Number of sacrifices: If the newborn is a boy, two sheep are to be sacrificed on his behalf, and if it is a girl, one sheep is to be sacrificed on her behalf.
- Ruling on Aqeeqah: Aqeeqah is a confirmed Sunnah, not obligatory. Whoever neglects it is not sinful.
- How to distribute the Aqeeqah: The meat of the Aqeeqah is distributed to family, relatives, neighbors, and the poor.
What are the conditions of Aqeeqah?
- To be sound and free from apparent and hidden defects.
- It must be owned by the person who is slaughtering the Aqeeqah, and it is permissible to delegate someone to do so.
- Slaughtering must be done according to Islamic law, with the intention directed and sincere to God Almighty.
What are the benefits of Aqeeqah?
- Expressing gratitude to God for his blessings.
- Getting closer to God
- Celebrating the arrival of a newborn with family and friends and helping the poor.
What is the evidence for the legitimacy of Aqeeqah?
- Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Lady Aisha, may God be pleased with her, that the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, performed the ‘aqeeqah for Al-Hassan and Al-Hussein on the seventh day and named them.
- The Companions, may God be pleased with them, used to perform the Aqeeqah for their children.
- Scholars agree on the legitimacy of Aqeeqah.
What is the ruling on delaying the Aqeeqah?
It is permissible to delay the Aqeeqah beyond its recommended time (the seventh day after birth).
Is it permissible to repeat the Aqeeqah?
It is not permissible to repeat the Aqeeqah for the same child.
What is the ruling on performing the Aqeeqah for the deceased?
Aqeeqah is not permissible for a deceased person, but it is only performed for a newborn.
What is the ruling on performing the Aqeeqah on behalf of a non-Muslim?
Aqeeqah is a Sunnah that is only for Muslims and is not permissible for non-Muslims.
Aqeeqah is a confirmed Sunnah with many virtues. It is one of the Islamic rituals that expresses gratitude to God for His blessings . It is best to adhere to it because of the goodness and benefits it brings.
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