Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim
Aqiqah
Welcoming a New Life
Aqiqah is the birth sacrifice, a ritual that marks the arrival of a new child into the family and into the Ummah. It is performed on behalf of the newborn, and it is one of the earliest acts of worship a family does for their child.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
أَمَرَهُمْ عَنِ الْغُلَامِ شَاتَانِ مُكَافِئَتَانِ، وَعَنِ الْجَارِيَةِ شَاةٌ
“He (ﷺ) ordered them: two similar sheep for a boy, and one sheep for a girl.” (Jami’ at-Tirmidh, 1513)
The timing:
The aqiqah is performed on the 7th day after birth. This is the preferred time based on the hadith above. However, if the 7th day is missed, it can be performed on the 14th day or the 21st day. If all three are missed, it can be performed at any later date. The obligation does not expire, but the reward diminishes with delay.
The animal:
1. For a boy: Two sheep (or goats).
2. For a girl: One sheep (or goat).
3. The animals must be healthy, of proper age (minimum one month for sheep/goats), and free from defects. They are slaughtered in accordance with Shari’ah; bismillah, facing the qiblah, with a sharp blade.
What happens to the meat?
The meat is divided into three parts:
1. One-third for the family.
2. One-third for relatives and neighbors.
3. One-third for the poor.
Some scholars recommend giving the entire amount to the poor, but the three-way division is the more widely followed practice.
Who performs the aqiqah?
The father is the primary responsible party. If the father is unable, the mother may perform it. If both are unable, any guardian or relative may do so on the child’s behalf.
What if the child is born prematurely or there are complications?
The aqiqah is still performed. The timing may be adjusted to the 7th day after the mother’s recovery, but the act itself is not cancelled.
At Halalan Thayyiban:
Local and International Aqiqah orders are one of our most common year-round services. We handle the full process: selecting two healthy sheep/goats (or one), performing the slaughter on the 7th day (or your preferred date within the 21-day window or later on), and delivering the meat to your door or distribute the meat to the community. In addition, you receive photos of the animals before slaughter, a video of the process, and a written confirmation.
If you have just welcomed a baby and want to do this right, please reach out. We will help you set the date and handle the rest.
No minimum order. One sheep is enough to make a real difference.
Ready to make your sacrifice?
We are available 24/7. All messages receive a response within 1 – 2 hours.
Or email us: order@halalthayyib.com