Aqiqah Rules

Adahi and Aqiqah are among the ways to show gratitude to Allah for the blessings bestowed upon humans. Performing Aqiqah requires understanding its rules and the purpose behind its legitimacy. You will also need to know the conditions that must be met to ensure that you have performed it correctly to get close to Allah and thank Him for what He has given you. In this article, we will clarify all aspects of Aqiqah and answer some frequently asked questions about it.

What Is Aqiqah

The term "Al-Aq" in Arabic means to cut or cleave, and Aqiqah refers to the sacrifice made on behalf of a newborn. You can sacrifice a sheep or any other permissible-healthy animal. It is named Aqiqah because the act of slaughter involves the cutting of the animal's neck. It is also known as 'Nasikah.' Aqiqah is also a term used to refer to the hair on a newborn's head that is cut after birth, as it is noticeable of penetrating the scalp.

The significance of Aqiqah on behalf of the newborn is to express gratitude to Allah, the Almighty, for gifting the newborn. And Aqiqah can be done on behalf of male and female newborns.

Is Aqiqah Obligatory

Scholars have differed regarding the Aqiqah ruling; some say it is obligatory, while others say it is recommended (Sunnah). Prophet Mohammad mentioned Aqiqah in a Hadith, which is a saying of the Prophet, where he stated:

Salman b. 'Amir ad Dabbl told that he heard God's messenger say, "Along with a boy there is an 'Aqiqa, so shed blood on his behalf and remove injury from him."* *This is variously explained as shaving the hair of the infant or removing the impurities with which it is defiled at birth, or even circumcision.

Based on this Hadith, the General Iftaa' Department of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has determined that Aqiqah is a recommended Sunnah for those who can perform it. If you cannot afford it before the end of the postnatal period, that is fine. However, you can still perform it later on. If the child reaches maturity and the father has not performed Aqiqah on their behalf, they can perform it themselves.

Benefits of Aqiqah

It announces lineage, expresses joy, shows gratitude to Allah for His blessings, and nourishes the mother to compensate for the energy and health she lost during pregnancy and childbirth.

Aqiqah Conditions

Your Aqiqah must fulfill certain conditions. These are the same conditions that apply to sacrificial animals and Adahi. Aqiqah should be free from defects or anything that lowers its value.

Aqiqah is not limited to sheep; cows can also be used for the sacrifice. For sheep, it must have reached one year of age or lost its front teeth. On the other hand, goats and cows should be at least two years old and have already started their third year of age.

Here are some answers to some questions related to Aqiqah:

• Is It Permissible to Combine Aqiqah and Adahi?

No, it is not permissible to combine the intention of Aqiqah and Adahi. Each is a separate act of worship with its own rules and reasons.

• Is It Permissible to Sell Part of Aqiqah?

Selling any part of Aqiqah, including the skin and guts, is not permissible to anyone. Instead, you should give to those in need. Furthermore, you are not allowed to give a part of the Aqiqah to the bumbler as payment. 

• Is It Permissible to Perform Aqiqah on Behalf of Another Person?

No, Aqiqah is the family breadwinner's responsibility. If he can't perform Aqiqah on behalf of his children, it is not obligatory.

• Is it Permissible to Perform Aqiqah for an Adult?

No, Aqiqah is limited to children only. When the child reaches maturity, they can perform Aqiqah for themselves, and no one else can perform it on their behalf, not even their parents.

• Is It Permissible for a Mother to Perform Aqiqah for Her Child?

If the mother is the breadwinner in the household, she is the one who performs Aqiqah for her child. If the father is present, then he is the one who performs Aqiqah for his children.

• Can I Give Part of Aqiqah to Family and Relatives?

Yes, giving part of Aqiqah to family and relatives is permissible after distributing the portion designated for the poor and needy. If any family member or relative is in need, they have priority in the amount designated for charity.

• What Are the Conditions for Aqiqah for a Male Child?

It is recommended to perform Aqiqah for a male child with two animals, provided that both animals meet the same conditions mentioned earlier regarding their age and health.

• What Are the Conditions for Aqiqah for a Female Child?

It is preferable to perform Aqiqah for a female child with one animal, and the animal should meet the same conditions mentioned earlier regarding its age and health.

After understanding the correct meaning, ruling, qualities, and conditions required for Aqiqah, you can now easily perform Aqiqah for your children through Tkiyet Um Ali's program. This program allows you to pay for Adahi and Aqiqah online, and Takiyet Um Ali purchases and sacrifices the animals according to Islamic laws. The meat is then distributed to needy and deserving individuals. Perform your kid Aqiqah now with Tkiyet Um Ali.