Aqiqah in Islam: The Complete Guide for New Parents (Rulings, Sunnah, Cost & Step-by-Step Process)

After months of anticipation and making dua for safe pregnancy and delivery, there is no feeling in the world quite like holding your newborn for the first time. That moment of overwhelming joy and gratitude naturally leads a Muslim parent to ask: “How can I thank Allah for this immense blessing?”

In Islam, this expression of gratitude is known as Aqiqah (also commonly spelled as Aqeeqa or Akika).

While the concept sounds simple—a sacrifice performed for a newborn—many new parents find themselves overwhelmed with questions. What is Aqiqah exactly? Is it mandatory or just a recommended Sunnah? How should the meat be distributed, and what are the specific rules for a baby boy versus a baby girl?

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You are not alone in these questions.

Whether you are planning to perform the sacrifice yourself, ordering it online, or simply want to understand the Aqiqah meaning and spiritual benefits, this guide is written for you. We have compiled everything you need to know in one place—authentic rulings (Fiqh), step-by-step instructions, cost breakdowns, and common mistakes to avoid.

Let’s begin this blessed journey of welcoming your child into the Ummah.

What Is Aqiqah? (Meaning & Origin)

To truly appreciate this ritual, it is essential to first understand the meaning of Aqiqah in both language and Islamic tradition.

Linguistically, the Arabic word “Aqiqah” comes from the root Al-Aqq, which means “to cut” or “to split.” Originally, this term referred to the hair on the newborn’s head because it is cut or shaved. Later, the term was adopted for the animal that is sacrificed on behalf of the newborn.

In the definition of Aqeeqah according to Sharia (Islamic Law), it is the act of slaughtering a sacrificial animal (sheep or goat) for a newborn child on the seventh day after birth. This act serves as a ransom for the child and an expression of profound gratitude to Allah.

Historically, the Arabs performed a similar ritual before Islam, but they would smear the baby’s head with the animal’s blood. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) reformed this practice, instructing Muslims to shave the hair and apply fragrance (saffron) instead, turning it into an act of purity rather than a pagan ritual.

The Aqeeqah meaning in Islam is deeply rooted in the authentic Hadith narrated by Salman bin ‘Amir Ad-Dabbi, who said:

“I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying, ‘With the boy there is an ‘Aqiqah, so spill blood for him and remove the harm from him.'”

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 5472

Ruling of Aqiqah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah)

One of the most frequently asked questions by new parents is: is Aqeeqah Sunnah or Wajib (mandatory)?

The majority of Islamic scholars—including the Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought—agree that the general ruling of Aqeeqah is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (a confirmed Sunnah). This means it was a practice consistently performed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and is strongly encouraged, yet it is not obligatory like the five daily prayers.

This understanding of the Fiqh of Aqeeqah is derived primarily from the famous Hadith narrated by Samurah bin Jundub:

“Every boy is held in pledge for his ‘Aqiqah which is slaughtered on his behalf on the seventh day, and he is named and has his head shaved.”

Source: Sunan Ibn Majah 3165

What does “held in pledge” mean?
Great scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim explained that this may mean the child’s ability to intercede for their parents on the Day of Judgment is suspended or dependent on the Aqiqah. This interpretation highlights the immense spiritual weight of this act.

However, Islam is a religion of ease. Contemporary scholars such as Sheikh Ibn Baz and Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on them) have clarified that the Sunnah applies to those who are capable. If a parent is financially unable to afford the sacrifice, there is no sin upon them, and they are not required to take out loans to perform it.

Spiritual Significance of Aqiqah

While understanding the rules is necessary, grasping the spiritual importance of Aqeeqah transforms it from a mere ritual into a heartfelt act of worship.

At its core, Aqiqah is the ultimate expression of gratitude. After months of waiting and the trials of childbirth, the sacrifice serves as a tangible “Thank You” to Allah for the gift of life and the safety of the mother. It is a declaration that this child belongs to the Ummah of Islam.

The Aqeeqah significance also lies in the concept of redemption and protection. Just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was commanded to sacrifice his son Ismail, and Allah ransomed him with a ram, the Aqiqah serves as a symbolic ransom for the newborn. It is believed to protect the child from Shaytan and unseen harm, acting as a shield as they begin their journey in this world.

Beyond the individual, the social benefits of Aqeeqah are profound. It is one of the first opportunities to bring the community together. By sharing the meat with family, neighbors, and the poor, the parents are not just feeding bodies but are strengthening family bonds and spreading joy. It teaches the lesson that our blessings are meant to be shared, not hoarded.

How to Perform Aqiqah (Step-by-Step Guide)

Performing this sunnah correctly involves more than just a sacrifice; it is a sequence of blessed acts. Below is a complete aqeeqah guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

The Best Time for Aqiqah

According to the Sunnah, the preferred aqeeqah timing is on the seventh day after birth. The scholars explain the calculation method simply:

Example: If the baby is born on a Monday, the 7th day is the following Sunday. (You do not count the day of birth if the baby is born after Maghrib/Sunset).

If you miss the 7th day, you may perform it on the 14th or the 21st day. If those are also missed, most scholars agree it can be done at any time before the child reaches puberty.

The Process: Aqeeqah Step by Step

Here is exactly how to perform aqeeqah according to Islamic etiquette:

1. Make the Intention (Niyyah): The father (or guardian) must intend in his heart that this sacrifice is the Aqiqah for his specific child.
2. Choose the Animal: Select a sheep or goat. (We will cover the number of animals in the next section).
3. Check Age and Health: Ensure the animal meets Sharia requirements. It must be free from defects (blindness, lameness, sickness) and of the proper age (usually 6 months+ for sheep, 1 year+ for goats).
4. Sharia-Compliant Slaughter: The slaughterer must be a Muslim or Person of the Book. At the moment of slaughter, he must say: “Bismillahi wa Allahu Akbar.” It is sunnah to add: “O Allah, this is for [Child’s Name].”
5. Shaving the Hair: On the 7th day, it is Sunnah to shave the baby’s head. This signifies removing harm and impurity.
6. Giving Charity (Sadaqah): Weigh the shaved hair and give the equivalent value of that weight in silver to charity.
7. Naming the Child: The 7th day is also the traditional time to officially name the child with a good Islamic name.
8. Cooking or Distributing: Finally, the meat is cut and prepared. Unlike the Udhiyah (Qurbani), it is preferred to cook the Aqiqah meat and invite people to eat it, though distributing it raw is also valid.

Number of Animals (Boy vs Girl)

When determining how many animals for aqeeqah are required, the ruling differs slightly based on the gender of the newborn, following the specific guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

• Aqeeqah for baby boy: The Sunnah is to sacrifice two sheep or goats. Ideally, they should be similar in age and size.
• Aqeeqah for baby girl: The Sunnah is to sacrifice one sheep or goat.

Note on Flexibility: If the parents cannot afford two animals for a boy, the majority of scholars agree that slaughtering just one is permissible and fulfills the Sunnah.

Animal Requirements: Health & Age

The animal chosen for Aqiqah must meet the same strict standards as the animal for Udhiyah (Qurbani). It must be free from apparent defects such as blindness, clear sickness, limpness, or extreme thinness.

Regarding the age, specific rules apply depending on the type of animal:

• Sheep: Must be at least 6 months old.
• Goat: The required aqeeqah goat age is at least one full year.

Both sheep and goats are equally valid, though some scholars prefer sheep as it was the animal most frequently sacrificed by the Prophet (ﷺ). The key is that the animal is healthy and well-cared for.

Meat Distribution Rules

Once the sacrifice is complete, the next logical question is about the aqeeqah meat distribution. Unlike Zakat, the rules here are quite flexible, allowing families to celebrate while also fulfilling their duty to the poor.

How to Distribute Aqeeqah Meat

While there is no strict percentage fixed in the Quran, scholars recommend following the aqeeqah portion rules similar to Udhiyah (Qurbani). The preferred method is to divide the meat into three parts:

• One-third for the family: The parents and their household can eat from the meat. (Note: It is a common misconception that parents cannot eat from the Aqiqah; this is incorrect. You are fully permitted to enjoy it).
• One-third for relatives and friends: Used to host a meal or given as gifts to strengthen social ties.
• One-third for the poor: Distributed as charity to the needy.

Cooked vs. Uncooked?

You may distribute the meat raw or cooked. However, many scholars, including Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, mentioned that it is better to cook the meat and invite people to eat it. This is considered more gracious and saves the poor the cost of cooking fuel.

Can you give Aqiqah meat to non-Muslims?
Yes. It is permissible to share the meat with non-Muslim neighbors, colleagues, or friends. This acts as a gesture of kindness and can be a form of soft Dawah (invitation to understanding Islam).

Comparative Fiqh (Four Madhahib Table)

While the essence of the sacrifice remains the same, there are insightful fiqh differences aqeeqah rules among the four major schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Understanding these nuances helps parents appreciate the flexibility within Sharia.

Below is a summary of the views regarding Aqeeqah Hanafi, Aqeeqah Shafi, Aqeeqah Maliki, and Aqeeqah Hanbali schools:

Madhhab (School)	Ruling	Number of Animals	Timing & Flexibility	Key Notes
Hanafi	Recommended (Mustahabb) or Permissible (Mubah). Not Sunnah Mu’akkadah.	1 for Boy 1 for Girl	Very flexible. Can be done at any time.	Some Hanafi scholars view that giving the price of the animal in charity (Sadaqah) is allowed if slaughter is difficult.
Shafi’i	Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Confirmed Sunnah).	2 for Boy 1 for Girl	Valid until puberty.	If missed during childhood, the person can perform Aqiqah for themselves as an adult.
Maliki	Sunnah Mu’akkadah.	1 for Boy 1 for Girl (Preferred view)	Strict preference for the 7th day.	They dislike breaking the bones of the animal; instead, they should be disjointed to symbolize the child’s health.
Hanbali	Sunnah Mu’akkadah.	2 for Boy 1 for Girl	Specific sequence: 7th day, then 14th, then 21st.	Strongly emphasize the specific days. They also prefer not breaking the bones.

*Note: All schools agree that if a person cannot afford the sacrifice, there is no sin upon them.

Contemporary Issues & FAQs

Modern life brings modern scenarios. Below are the most pressing aqeeqah questions answered according to general scholarly consensus.

1. Can I give money instead of Aqeeqah?

This is perhaps the most common question. The majority of scholars state that money instead of Aqeeqah does not fulfill the Sunnah. The essence of Aqiqah is the “spilling of blood” (sacrifice) for the sake of Allah. Donating the cash value to charity is a noble deed, but it is considered generic Sadaqah, not Aqiqah.

2. Is Aqiqah for adults permissible?

Yes. If your parents did not perform Aqiqah for you when you were a baby, you can perform it for yourself. Aqeeqah for adults is considered valid, particularly in the Shafi’i madhhab. It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) performed Aqiqah for himself after his prophethood.

3. Is Aqiqah required for a deceased child?

If the child was born alive and then passed away (even if they lived only for a few moments), it is recommended to perform Aqiqah for them. Scholars link this to the hadith regarding the child “interceding” for their parents on the Day of Judgment.

4. Can I perform Aqiqah before the baby is born?

No. The sacrifice must be done after the birth. Performing it while the baby is still in the womb makes it a regular meat sacrifice, not an Aqiqah.

5. How is Aqiqah handled for twins?

Each child is treated as an individual entity. Therefore, you perform a separate Aqiqah for each twin. For example, if you have twin boys, the Sunnah is 4 sheep/goats total. If twin girls, 2 sheep/goats total.

6. What about adopted children (orphans)?

In Islam, the primary responsibility lies with the biological father. However, if you are caring for an orphan or a child whose parents cannot afford it, you (the guardian) are permitted to perform the Aqiqah on their behalf to secure the blessings for the child.

Aqiqah Cost & Global Price Comparison

Budgeting for this occasion is a practical necessity. The aqeeqah cost varies significantly depending on whether you perform the slaughter locally in your country or delegate it through an international charity service.

Factors Affecting Aqeeqah Price

Before looking at the numbers, it is important to understand what drives the aqeeqah price up or down:

• Location: Livestock in Western countries (UK, USA) is significantly more expensive than in developing nations.
• Animal Type: In some regions, goats are cheaper than sheep, while in others, the opposite is true.
• Service Level: Are you buying just the animal, or a full package that includes slaughtering, skinning, cooking, and delivery?

Average Price Comparison (2025 Estimates)

If you are looking to buy aqeeqah online or perform it locally, here is a general price range to help you plan:

Country	Local Slaughter Cost (Approx)	Online Service Cost (Donation Abroad)
United Kingdom (UK)	£180 – £350	£45 – £90 (e.g., to Africa/Asia)
United States (USA)	$250 – $450	$60 – $120
Saudi Arabia	450 SAR – 900 SAR	—
Malaysia	RM 800 – RM 1,300	RM 350 – RM 600
Indonesia	IDR 1.5M – 3.5M	—

Why Use an Aqeeqah Service?

In today’s digital age, many parents choose a professional aqeeqah service for convenience. These services take care of the selection, slaughter, and distribution of meat to the poor in needy countries on your behalf. This is a valid option in Islamic Fiqh, known as Tawkeel (delegation).

Checklist for Choosing a Trusted Charity

If you decide to delegate the task, ensure the provider meets these criteria:

• Sharia Compliance: Do they guarantee the animal’s age and health?
• Transparency: Do they provide photos or video proof of the slaughter with your child’s name mentioned?
• Speed: Can they ensure the slaughter happens specifically on the 7th day?
• Reviews: Check real customer feedback regarding their reliability.

Common Mistakes People Make

Even with the best intentions, it is possible to fall into errors that may impact the validity or the reward of the ritual. Being aware of these common aqeeqah errors ensures that your sacrifice is accepted and fully in line with the Sunnah.

• Delaying Without Reason: Many parents think, “I will do it when I have time.” While it is permissible to delay if necessary, missing the 7th day without a valid excuse misses the specific blessing of following the Prophet’s timing.
• Believing Cash Replaces Sacrifice: As mentioned earlier, donating the price of a sheep to charity is a good deed, but it is not Aqiqah. One of the primary aqeeqah mistakes is thinking the “value” matters more than the “act” of spilling blood for Allah.
• Selecting Underage Animals: In an attempt to save money, some might buy a lamb or goat that is too young (e.g., a sheep under 6 months). If the animal does not meet the Sharia age requirement, it does not count as Aqiqah—it becomes merely meat for food.
• Forgetting the Intention (Niyyah): Sometimes, in the busyness of organizing a feast for relatives, the father forgets to make the specific intention that this slaughter is for Aqiqah. Acts of worship in Islam are based on intentions.
• Burning the Hair (Cultural Myth): In some cultures, there is a baseless practice of burning the baby’s cut hair. This has no origin in Islam. The correct Sunnah is to weigh the hair and give its equivalent value in silver to the poor.

Aqiqah Checklist (Printable Section)

To ensure you don’t miss a single Sunnah act amidst the excitement of your new arrival, we have created this comprehensive aqeeqah preparation list. You can bookmark this page or print it to serve as your personal aqeeqah guide pdf.

Conclusion: A Blessed Beginning

We hope this complete aqeeqah guide has provided you with the clarity and confidence needed to perform this beautiful Sunnah. Having the rules, wisdom, and steps of Aqeeqah explained ensures that your focus remains on what truly matters: gratitude to Allah and the celebration of new life.

Remember, Aqiqah is more than just a tradition; it is a powerful act of worship that brings Barakah (blessings) and spiritual protection to your child. Whether you perform it yourself or delegate it to a trusted service, ensure your intention is pure and your method follows the Islamic aqeeqah guide of the Prophet (ﷺ).

May Allah bless your newborn, make them among the righteous, and fill your home with happiness.