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Question & Answer on Aqiqah

Prepared by:

Ustazah Norwariza Mohd. Hed

B.A. (Hons.) Syariah Islamiyah, Al-Azhar, Egypt

 

QUESTIONS

 

• Aqiqah according to Islam

• Aqiqah specifications for sons and daughters

• The age limit and performing the aqiqah for other people

• The use of meat and bones of the aqiqah

• To delegate another party for the implementation of the aqiqah

• The distribution of the aqiqah

• The law regarding smearing the blood of the sacrificial animal on the child or door of the house

• Other sunnah that can be performed on the day of the aqiqah

 

Aqiqah according to Islam

 

1. What is aqiqah?

2. What is the history behind the aqiqah?

3. What is the law regarding the implementation of aqiqah?

4. What is the wisdom regarding the implementation of aqiqah?

5. Who is required to perform the aqiqah?

6. What is the difference between aqiqah and Qurban?

7. When is the best time to perform aqiqah?

8. What is the recitation when performing the aqiqah?

 

Aqiqah specifications for sons and daughters

 

1. What are the aqiqah specifications for sons and daughters?

2. What is the accepted sacrificial animal for the aqiqah?

3. Can one lamb be used for the aqiqah of two children?

4. Is the sacrifice of one lamb accepted for the aqiqah of a son?

5. Can seven people share the sacrifice of one cow for the aqiqah?

6. Is the sacrifice of two lambs mandatory for the aqiqah of a son?

 

The age limit and performing the aqiqah for other people

 

1. What is the maximum age limit for performing the aqiqah?

2. I am 30 years of age, and my parents have not performed the aqiqah. May I perform the rites myself?

3. My child is now 26 years old and due to financial difficulties we have not performed the aqiqah for him. Is it possible to do it now?

4. Is it permissible to use an orphan’s inheritance for his aqiqah?

5. Is it permissible to perform the aqiqah on behalf of parents who have passed away?

 

The use of meat and bones of the aqiqah

 

1. Is it true that it is sunnah to cook the aqiqah meat as a sweet dish?

2. What is the benefit of cooking the aqiqah meat as a sweet dish?

3. What is the wisdom behind the practice of not breaking the bones of the sacrificial animal?

4. Can the aqiqah meat be used for wedding feasts?

 

To delegate another party for the implementation of the aqiqah

 

1. Can the aqiqah be performed at other places or abroad?

2. Can the sacrifice of the animal for aqiqah be delegated to another person or third party?

3. Is the aqiqah valid without witnessing the sacrifice?

 

The distribution of the aqiqah

 

1. Who are the people qualified to receive the aqiqah?

2. Can the meat be distributed to non-Muslim neighbours?

3. Can the all the meat be given away as gifts?

4. Can a portion of the meat be given to the midwife that delivered the baby?

5. What is the sunnah regarding the giving of the leg of the sacrifice to the midwife?

6. Can the leather of the sacrificial animal be sold?

7. Can the parent sell a portion of his child’s aqiqah?

 

The law regarding smearing the blood of the sacrificial animal on the child or door of the house

 

1. What is the law regarding smearing the blood of the sacrificial animal on a newborn’s head?

2. What is the law regarding smearing the blood of the sacrificial animal on the door of the house in order to ward off Satan?

Other sunnah that can be performed on the day of the aqiqah

 

1. Are there other sunnah that can be performed on the day of the aqiqah?

2. Is it encouraged to perform the circumcision on the day of aqiqah?

3. What should be done if the seventh day of the child’s birth falls on the day of Eidul Adha?

 

Question & Answer

 

Aqiqah according to Islam

 

1: What is aqiqah?

A: Aqiqah literally means “to cut”. Originally it refers to the cutting of hair of the newborn. According to the Islamic practice, it refers to the sacrifice of an animal on the birth of a child. The sacrifice is called the aqiqah as the ritual is performed on the day the hair is being shaved.

 

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2: How did the aqiqah begin?

A: It is narrated by Buraidah that “During the time of the Jahilliyah whenever anyone gave birth to a baby boy, we would sacrifice a lamb, shaved his hair and smeared the blood of the sacrificial animal on his head.”

 

Ibnu Sakan reaffirmed the above ritual, “Before Islam, people would soak the blood of the sacrificial animal with cotton and smeared it on the head of the newborn. Rasullulah S.A.W. forbade this ritual and told the community to replace blood with musk.”

 

When we study the history of aqiqah, it is a ritual that is accepted in Islam with certain modifications. This is because the concept behind this practice even before Islam was one of celebration, thanksgiving in addition to promoting social good.

 

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3: What is the law regarding the implementation of aqiqah?

A: The law regarding the implementation of aqiqah is strongly recommended for the newborn in Islam. This is the consensus of the majority of the ulama and experts in fiqh. Thus, parents who can afford to do so are highly encouraged to perform this duty in fulfilling the sunnah of Rasullulah S.A.W and in doing so will obtain the good deeds bestowed by Allah S.W.T.

 

In a hadith narrated by Rasullulah SAW

 

“Indeed on the day of Judgment, man will be asked about his responsibility in performing the aqiqah as he will be questioned about his duty in performing the prayers five times a day.”

 

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4: What is the benefit with regards to the implementation of aqiqah?

A: There are many benefits behind the implementation of aqiqah and only Allah knows best. However, the ulama has provided several guidelines regarding the benefits of aqiqah as follows:

Firstly, the aqiqah is a form of worship to bring one close to Allah SWT, right on the first day of life.

Secondly, the aqiqah is a form of penance to protect the child from all sorts of danger and ill fortune just as Allah has exchanged the life of prophet Ismail with the sacrifice of a lamb.

Thirdly, as a show of happiness and gratitude on the birth of a child as a gift from Allah.

Fourthly, to strengthen family and communal ties through the thanksgiving feast.

Fifthly, to obtain the reward from Allah in the hereafter.

 

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5: Who are required to perform the aqiqah?

 

A: Aqiqah is a form of worship and a show of gratitude towards Allah SWT on the birth of a child. Thus, it is strongly encouraged that parents perform this worship. Rasullulah SAW has said in a hadith:

“Verily Rasullullah SAW strongly encouraged that on the seventh day of birth of a child, he/she should be named, the hair should be shaved and the aqiqah performed.” This hadith was narrated by Tirmidzi.

 

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6: What is the difference between aqiqah and Qurban?

A: The differences between aqiqah and Qurban are:

 

1. Aqiqah is performed once in a lifetime while it is strongly encouraged to perform Qurban every year during Eidul Adha.

2. It is strongly recommended that the meat of aqiqah is served cooked while the meat of Qurban is distributed raw.

3. It is not recommended that the bones of the aqiqah are broken into pieces whereas this is allowed with the bones of the Qurban.

4. It is encouraged to offer the right leg of the aqiqah to the midwife involved while this does not apply to the Qurban.

 

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7: When is the best time to perform aqiqah?

A: Based on the opinion of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, the best time for performing the aqiqah is on the 7^th day of birth, if not possible than on the 14^th and again, if not possible on the 21^st. Due to financial difficulties, the aqiqah can be postponed until such a time that it can be made possible.

Rasullullah SAW has said:

“A child is bonded by his/her aqiqah that should be performed on the seventh day of birth in addition to shaving the hair and be given a name.” Hadith narrated by Ahmad & Tirmidzi.

 

8: What is the recitation when performing the aqiqah?

A: It has been the essence of any act of worship in Islam to be preceded by a dua in order to make it complete. In performing the sacrifice one should begin with Bismillahirrahmanirrahim followed by the following dua:

“Oh Allah, this is the aqiqah of (the child’s name) who is a gift from You and to You we shall return.”

 

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Aqiqah specifications for sons and daughters

 

1: What are the aqiqah specifications for sons and daughters?

A: Aqiqah is performed for both sons and daughters as mentioned in the following hadith by Rasullulah SAW:

“The aqiqah for a son is to sacrifice two lambs whereas for a daughter is the sacrifice of one lamb.” This hadith is narrated by Ahmad & Tirmidzi.

In another hadith, Rasullulah SAW said,

“Rasullulah SAW has ordered us to sacrifice two lambs for the aqiqah of a son while for a daughter the sacrifice of a lamb.” This hadith is narrated by Ibn Abi Syaiban.

The previous hadiths can be summarized as follows:

Firstly, the aqiqah commemorates the birth of either sons or daughters.

Secondly, the difference is that the aqiqah for a son is the sacrifice of two lambs whereas it is one lamb for a daughter.

 

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2: What is the accepted sacrificial animal for the aqiqah?

A: According to the consensus of the ulama, the animals that can be sacrificed for aqiqah are camels, cows, buffaloes, goats, lambs and kibas. The other criteria are for a valid aqiqah are as follows:

 

1. A camel that is 5 years old

2. A cow that is 2 years old

3. A goat or lamb that is 2 years old or has shed its milk teeth.

4. A Kibas that is one year old or has shed its milk teeth.

5. The animal must not be diseased or suffer from any abnormalities.

 

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3: Can the sacrifice of one lamb be used for the aqiqah of two children?

A: According to the accepted hadiths regarding the number or portion of animals to be sacrificed for aqiqah, the best practice is the sacrifice of two lambs for a son and one for a daughter. It is also acceptable to sacrifice one lamb for a son. There is no hadith that allows the sacrifice of one lamb for two children. In view of financial constraints, the aqiqah can be staggered and need not be performed at the same time.

 

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4: Is the sacrifice of one lamb accepted for the aqiqah of a son?

A: The sacrifice of two lambs is the better option for the aqiqah of a son. However, the sacrifice of one lamb is sufficient as Rasullulah SAW himself performed the sacrifice of one lamb each for his grandsons.

 

It is narrated in a hadith;

“Rasullulah SAW sacrificed one lamb each for Hassan and Hussain for their aqiqah.” Hadith narrated by Abu Daud.

 

5: Can seven people share the sacrifice of one cow for the aqiqah?

A: As mentioned previously, the aqiqah for a son is the sacrifice of two lambs whereas for a daughter it is the sacrifice of one lamb. However, it is allowable if the sacrifice of one cow or camel is intended to replace seven lambs or seven portions of aqiqah (valid for cow and camel).

 

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6: Is the sacrifice of two lambs mandatory for the aqiqah of a son?

A: This is not mandatory as even Rasullullah SAW performed one aqiqah each for his grandsons Hassan and Hussain.

It is narrated in a hadith that:

“Rasullulah SAW sacrificed one lamb each for Hassan and Hussain for their aqiqah.” Hadith narrated by Abu Daud.

 

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The age limit and performing the aqiqah for other people

 

1: What is the maximum age limit for performing the aqiqah?

A: With regards to this matter, there is an opinion that the maximum age limit is until the child reaches puberty. However, according to Dr. Wahbah Az-Zuhail in his book Fiqh al-islami Wa Adilatuhu is of the opinion that “Aqiqah is not performed only while the child is young as every parent should make aqiqah for very child even when he/she has attained puberty. Thus, there is no age limit for aqiqah.

 

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2: I am 30 years of age, and my parents have not performed the aqiqah. May I perform the rites myself?

A: According to Mazhab Hanbali, a person can perform the aqiqah himself as something that is permissible and not something that is mandatory. Even so the shariah law regarding aqiqah is an act of worship that is strongly encouraged and not mandatory. Since your parents could not afford the payment for aqiqah when you were young it is allowable for the child to do so as an adult according to Imam Hanbali.

 

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3: My child is now 26 years old and due to financial difficulties we have not performed the aqiqah for him. Is it possible to do it now?

A: It is best to perform the aqiqah when the child is seven, fourteen or twenty-one days or before puberty. However, it is not limited to the days mentioned as it is strongly encouraged for parents to perform the aqiqah even though their children are already adults as there is no time limit for them to do so.

 

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4: Is it permissible to use an orphan’s inheritance for his aqiqah?

A: Aqiqah is a form of almsgiving. Doing so on other people’s property is not allowed in Islam. The person entrusted to take charge of an orphan’s property is only a temporary custodian of the orphan’s property until he attains puberty. Thus, the use of the orphan’s property to perform the aqiqah is not allowed in Islam.

 

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5: Is it permissible to perform the aqiqah on behalf of parents who have passed away?

A: The concept of aqiqah is as a form of almsgiving with the hope that one’s deed is accepted and to gain reward from Allah SWT. Similar to other good deeds that is done with the hope of benefitting the deceased and that you are certain that your parents have not performed the aqiqah, then proceed with the hope of gaining reward from Allah SWT. If your parents have expressed in their will that the children perform the aqiqah on their behalf, then it is mandatory to do so.

 

The use of meat and bones of the aqiqah

 

1: Is it true that it is sunnah to cook the aqiqah meat as a sweet dish?

A: That is true. As opposed to korban, whereby the meat should be distributed raw, for aqiqah is encouraged to serve the meat cooked as a sweet dish. In a hadith narrated by Baihaqi who quoted Aisyah R.A. as saying;

“The distribution of the aqiqah as cooked meat is strongly encouraged.”

 

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2: What is the benefit of cooking the aqiqah meat as a sweet dish?

A: This is the difference between qurban and aqiqah whereby the meat of the former is distributed raw whereas for the aqiqah it is strongly encouraged to serve it cooked as a sweet dish. It is hoped that the character and the disposition of the child will be as sweet as the dish that is served to the people during the aqiqah.

 

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3: What is the wisdom behind the practice of not breaking the bones of the sacrificial animal?

A: We are required not to break the bones of the sacrifice. However, it is strongly encouraged that the animal is cut at the joints. This is in agreement with the hadith narrated by Abu Daud when Fatimah bint Muhammad SAW was preparing for the aqiqah of her son and Rasulullah SAW said; “Serve and eat the meat of aqiqah but do not break the bones.”

Among the wisdom behind this practice is that it is hoped that the child will grow up well without suffering from mishaps that may cause fractures and so on.

 

4: Can the aqiqah meat be used for wedding feasts?

A: Apart from showing gratitude to Allah SWT for being blessed with the birth of a child, the other main objective of having the aqiqah feast is to strengthen ties in the community especially among the poor. In this spirit of brotherhood, according to Imam Syafie, the aqiqah meat can be used for wedding feasts.

 

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To delegate another party for the implementation of the aqiqah

 

5: Can the aqiqah be performed at other places or abroad?

A: According to the opinion of Sayid Al-Bakri in his book I’anatut Tolibin, it is legitimate to delegate the buying and performing the sacrifice of the qurban and aqiqah to another party even if it is done abroad.

 

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6: Can the sacrifice of the animal for aqiqah be delegated to another person or third party?

A: It is common practice to delegate this act of worship to others – imams, butchers and designated companies as is practiced in Mecca during the haj and also at other times of the year. Thus delegating this matter to another party that has proven credibility in doing so is allowed in Islam in order to make it easier for Muslims to perform aqiqah. This in accordance to the opinion of Sayid Al-Bakri as stated in his book I’anatut Tolibin.

 

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7: Is the aqiqah valid without witnessing the sacrifice?

A: According to Sayid Al-Bakri in his book I’anatut Tolibin the aqiqah is valid even though it is delegated to another party and it is done abroad and consequently the person will not be able to witness the sacrifice.

 

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The distribution of the aqiqah

 

1: Who are the people qualified to receive the aqiqah?

A: The people most worthy of charity and for that matter the aqiqah are the poor among the Muslims. Nevertheless, based on several hadith and the practices of Rasullulah and his disciples, we are strongly encouraged to partake some of the meat, donate some and to present as gifts a portion of it. The difference between qurban and aqiqah is that we should present the leg of the lamb to the midwife who delivered the child.

 

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2: Can the meat be distributed to non-Muslim neighbours?

A: The joy brought by the birth of a child is incomplete if not shared among relatives and neighbours. Thus, those mentioned should be involved in the aqiqah celebration. For Muslims, giving the cooked meal is considered a form of almsgiving while giving it to non-Muslims is considered a gift. It is the right of the neighbours regardless of belief, to share in our joy and sorrow and in this respect, it is allowable to present as gifts a part of the meal on the occasion of the aqiqah. In fact, if this is not practiced, there is a possibility that it will create a rift among neighbours especially the children who has smelt the cooking of the feast.

 

3: Can the all the meat be given away as gifts?

A: It is the objective of the aqiqah to present it as a form of charity as a show of gratitude on the birth of a child. It is allowable to partake a portion of it in order to receive the blessings from this act of worship. Nevertheless, giving away all of it as form of charity is commendable.

 

4: Can a portion of the meat be given to the midwife that delivered the baby?

A: One is strongly encouraged to give a portion of the meat to the midwife that delivered the baby. In fact, we are told to reserve the right back leg for the midwife. This is supported by the hadith narrated by Al-Hakim; “Fatimah practiced this by the order of Rasullulah SAW.”

 

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5: What is the sunnah regarding the giving of the leg of the sacrifice to the midwife?

A: It is the sunnah to give the right back leg of the sacrifice to the midwife that that delivered and treated the child. This is line with the teaching of Rasullulah as supported by the hadith narrated by Al-Hakim; “Fatimah practiced this by the order of Rasullulah SAW.”

 

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6: Can the leather of the sacrificial animal be sold?

A: The aqiqah is an act of worship whereby the meat is to be distributed as a form of charity to relatives, neighbours and Muslims who are poor. Thus, it is against the principle of performing the aqiqah when any part of the animal is being sold. Therefore the majority of the ulama are of the opinion that no part of the animal meant for aqiqah be sold. However, according to Imam Hanbali, the leather can be sold provided that the money be used for the benefit of the public.

 

7: Can the parent sell a portion of his child’s aqiqah?

A: The objective of the aqiqah is to show gratitude to Allah SWT by sharing the feast with other Muslims especially with the poor. Thus, the act of selling a portion of the meat is not in line with this objective and is therefore not allowed.

 

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The law regarding smearing the blood of the sacrificial animal on the child or door of the house

 

1: What is the law regarding smearing the blood of the sacrificial animal on a newborn’s head?

A: It is not encouraged to smear the blood of the sacrificial animal on the child’s head. This based on a hadith narrated by Aisyah RA that forbade this practice;

“In the time of jahiliyyah it was the practice to soak a piece of cloth with the blood of the sacrifice and then smeared in on the head of the newborn. Rasullulah SAW then forbade this and ordered them to replace the blood with perfume.

 

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2: What is the law regarding smearing the blood of the sacrificial animal on the door of the house in order to ward off satan?

A: This practice is haram as it is not practiced by Rasullulah SAW and is against the Islamic belief.

 

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Other sunnah that can be performed on the day of the aqiqah

 

1: What are the other sunnah that can be performed on the day of the aqiqah?

A: Based on the practices of Rasullulah SAW and his disciples, there are several events that can be done on the day of aqiqah as follows;

 

1. To shave the hair on the seventh day of birth.

2. To give the child a name.

3. To give as alms the amount in gold or silver equivalent to the weight of the shaven hair.

4. To circumcise the child.

 

2: Is it encouraged to perform the circumcision on the day of aqiqah?

A: Yes, this true as Rasullulah practiced this. In a hadith narrated by Imam Al-Baihaqi from Aisyah RA who said; “Verily Rasullulah SAW circumcised Hassan and Hussain on the seventh day of their birth.”

 

3: What should be done if the seventh day of the child’s birth falls on the day of Eidul Adha?

A: On the day of Eidul Adha is strongly encouraged to perform the korban as it is also strongly encouraged to do the aqiqah on the seventh day of birth. If by coincidence Eidul Adha falls on the same day as the seventh day of the birth of the child, according to Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal the intention of both can be combined. This practice is similar to when Eidul Adha falls on Friday and such the intention of performing the ritual bath can be combined.

 

 

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