Aqiqah is a significant Sunnah Muakkadah (highly recommended practice) in Islam, symbolizing gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a newborn. It teaches devotion, compassion, and strengthens the bonds of Islamic brotherhood. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Every child is in pledge for its Aqiqah, so slaughter (an animal) for him on the seventh day, shave his head, and give him a name." (Hadith - Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, and Nasa’i)

This act not only represents worship to Allah but also serves as a means to purify the child’s soul and strengthen social ties within the Muslim community.

The Practices of Aqiqah in Islam

1. Animal Sacrifice

Animal sacrifice is the central aspect of Aqiqah. The guidelines are as follows:

1. For a male child: It is recommended to sacrifice two sheep or goats that are healthy.
2. For a female child: It is recommended to sacrifice one sheep or goat that is healthy.

The animal must meet the criteria set by Islamic guidelines, such as being free of defects, healthy, and of the required age (a goat must be at least one year old, and a sheep at least six months old). Allah SWT states:

"So, pray to your Lord and sacrifice." (Qur'an 108:2)

This sacrifice is both an act of worship and a reflection of care and support for the community.

2. Shaving the Baby’s Head

The newborn's hair is shaved to signify purity, cleanliness, and the removal of sin. The weight of the hair is assessed in silver, and its value is given as charity to those in need. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Shave the baby's head on the seventh day, give him a name, and donate the equivalent weight of his hair in silver." (Hadith - Ahmad and Nasa’i)

3. Naming the Child

Providing the child with a good and meaningful name is one of the child’s rights that parents must fulfill. A name reflects the identity and supplication of the individual. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so make your names good." (Hadith - Abu Dawood)

4. Meat Distribution

The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three portions:

1. One-third for the family to consume.
2. One-third to be shared with relatives and neighbors.
3. One-third to be given to the poor and needy.

This distribution emphasizes the values of sharing and compassion in Islam. Allah SWT commands:

"Give the relative his right, and also the poor and the traveler. That is best for those who seek Allah’s pleasure." (Qur'an 30:38)

Steps to Properly Perform Aqiqah

To carry out Aqiqah in accordance with Islamic teachings, follow these steps:

1. Preparation: Choose animals that meet the Islamic criteria.
2. Sacrifice: Conduct the slaughtering by a Muslim who understands the correct procedures.
3. Shaving the Baby’s Head: Shave the baby’s head on the seventh day and calculate the value of the hair in silver for charity.
4. Meat Distribution: Distribute the meat according to Islamic guidelines: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and neighbors, and one-third for the poor.
5. Celebration: If possible, organize a simple feast with family, neighbors, and friends to express gratitude to Allah SWT.

The Virtues of Aqiqah in Islam

Aqiqah has numerous virtues as taught in Islam, including:

1. Purification of the Child: Aqiqah purifies and protects the child from harm in both this world and the Hereafter.
2. Strengthening Islamic Brotherhood: Sharing the Aqiqah meat fosters bonds between family members and strengthens community ties.
3. Blessings from Charity: Distributing meat to the needy brings blessings into one’s life. Allah SWT says:

"Eat from them and feed the miserable and poor." (Qur'an 22:28)

By performing Aqiqah, a Muslim not only fulfills a noble Sunnah but also contributes to social welfare, strengthens familial bonds, and seeks the pleasure of Allah SWT.