Why Aqiqah is Done

What is Aqiqah?

Aqiqah is a special Islamic ritual that is performed seven days after the birth of a newborn baby. It involves sacrificing an animal, usually a goat or a sheep, depending on the gender of the child. The main purpose of Aqiqah is to express gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a child. It is also believed to bring blessings and protection to the child, as well as to serve as a symbol of welcoming the child into the Muslim community.

The Significance of Aqiqah

1. Gratitude to Allah: Aqiqah is essentially an expression of gratitude to Allah for the gift of a child. It is a way for parents to thank Allah for blessing them with a new life and to seek His protection and guidance for the child.

2. Welcoming the Child into the Muslim Community: Aqiqah serves as a symbol of welcoming the newborn into the Muslim community. It is a public declaration of the child's affiliation with Islam and a commitment to raising the child according to Islamic principles.

3. Blessings and Protection for the Child: Many Muslims believe that Aqiqah brings blessings and protection to the child. It is believed that the sacrifice of an animal purifies the child from any impurities and brings divine blessings upon them.

Conditions for Performing Aqiqah

1. Timing: Aqiqah is typically performed on the seventh day after the birth of the child. However, this is not a strict requirement, and it can be performed on any day after the seventh day, as long as it is done before puberty.

2. Animal: The choice of animal for Aqiqah depends on the family's financial situation and the gender of the child. For a boy, two goats or sheep are typically sacrificed, while for a girl, one is sufficient.

3. Distribution of Meat: The meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed among family members, friends, and the poor. This act of generosity is believed to bring blessings and reward to both the child and the family.

Preparing for and Performing Aqiqah

1. Preparation: Before performing Aqiqah, the family should select a healthy animal that meets the Islamic requirements and make arrangements for the sacrifice. They should also inform relatives and friends about the event and invite them to participate.

2. Dua During Sacrifice: During the sacrifice, a prayer is recited, seeking Allah's blessings and protection for the child. The animal is then slaughtered in a humane manner, and the meat is prepared for distribution.

3. Distribution of Meat: The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three equal parts. One part is distributed among family members, another part is given to friends, and the third part is distributed to the poor. This act of generosity is believed to bring blessings and reward to both the child and the family.

Additional Information

• Aqiqah is a recommended Sunnah, which means it is highly encouraged but not mandatory.
• It is permissible to perform Aqiqah before the seventh day if there is a valid reason, such as the fear of harm to the animal or the child.
• In some cultures, it is customary to cook and serve a special dish made from the meat of the sacrificed animal during the Aqiqah celebration.

Conclusion

Aqiqah is a significant Islamic ritual that is performed to express gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a child. It is also believed to bring blessings and protection to the child and serves as a symbol of welcoming them into the Muslim community. While it is not mandatory, Aqiqah is highly encouraged and is an important part of many Muslim families' traditions.

FAQs

1. What is the main purpose of Aqiqah?

   • The main purpose of Aqiqah is to express gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a child and to seek His protection and guidance for the child.

2. When should Aqiqah be performed?

   • Aqiqah is typically performed on the seventh day after the birth of the child, but it can be done on any day after that.

3. What kind of animal should be sacrificed for Aqiqah?

   • The choice of animal for Aqiqah depends on the family's financial situation and the gender of the child. For a boy, two goats or sheep are typically sacrificed, while for a girl, one is sufficient.

4. How is the meat from the sacrificed animal distributed?

   • The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three equal parts. One part is distributed among family members, another part is given to friends, and the third part is distributed to the poor.

5. Is Aqiqah mandatory?

   • No, Aqiqah is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged and is an important part of many Muslim families' traditions.