Aqiqah - Welcome Your Child the Sunnah Way
Two minutes to arrange. Carried out properly in the countries where meat means most. 100% donation policy.
- 100% Donation Policy
- Registered UK Charity No. 1202015
- Gift Aid Eligible
What is aqiqah?
Aqiqah is the sacrifice offered to thank Allah for the birth of a child. It is a strongly encouraged sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), practised across the Muslim world for every new baby - and its meat traditionally feeds those in need.
It is reported in Jami at-Tirmidhi that the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed two comparable sheep for a boy and one for a girl.
Aqiqah for a girl and for a boy
When should aqiqah be done?
The sunnah is the seventh day after birth. Missed the seventh day? You have not missed aqiqah. Scholars across the schools advise that it may be performed afterwards - many parents perform it on the fourteenth or twenty-first day, and others years later, even as adults for themselves. The reward of the sunnah remains.
How AFM performs your aqiqah
You choose girl or boy and the country.
Our teams in Uganda, Yemen and Pakistan purchase and slaughter the animal according to Islamic requirements, with your child's name given at the sacrifice.
The meat is distributed fresh to families who rarely afford it - widows, orphans and the poorest households.
The hair and the silver
It is also from the sunnah to shave the newborn's head on the seventh day and give the weight of the hair in silver as charity. Most parents give a small amount - around £10 covers it generously. You can give it as a separate sadaqah alongside your aqiqah.
Aqiqah FAQs
Is aqiqah obligatory?
It is a strongly encouraged sunnah rather than an obligation. The schools differ in emphasis - within the Hanafi school it is regarded as a recommended act. Performing it is a loved way of giving thanks for your child.
Can the family eat from the aqiqah meat?
Traditionally the meat may be shared between family, friends and the poor. When you appoint AFM, the intention is that your share goes to those in greatest need - a form of giving the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged.
Whose name is the aqiqah in?
Your child's. Enter their name when you give and it is carried with the order to the team performing the sacrifice.
Can I do aqiqah for myself as an adult?
Many scholars permit an adult whose aqiqah was never performed to perform it for themselves. If in doubt, ask your local imam - and know the sacrifice will feed those in need either way.
