Aqeeqah

Aqeeqah is the sacrifice of an animal on the occasion of a child's birth. It is a Sunnah mu'akkadah (strongly recommended practice). Two animals are sacrificed for a boy and one for a girl, traditionally on the seventh day after birth. The meat is distributed to the poor, relatives, and neighbours. The child's head is shaved and the equivalent weight of hair in silver is given as charity.

The Sunnah of Aqeeqah

Aqeeqah is one of the most beautiful Sunnahs connected to welcoming a new child into the Muslim family. Beyond the sacrifice, the Sunnah of the 7th day includes: shaving the baby's head and giving the weight of the hair in silver as charity, naming the child with a good name, and distributing the meat to family, friends, and the poor.

Read our full guide: Aqeeqah in the UK.

Related Terms

Further Reading