Aqiqah

At the birth of a child, the Aqiqah (Akika) is performed as part of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is a virtuous act in Islam . It involves the sacrifice of livestock, such as goats and sheep. It usually takes place on the seventh day after a baby’s birth. However, there’s nothing wrong with doing it at a later time.

The sacrifice is then divided between the family members who are carrying out the sacrifice. It’s then handed out to the poor and needy.

At Islamic Relief, we have a duty to be there for those who are most in need of our support.

Millions of people struggle everyday with poverty. Many people go days and months without proper food. Your Aqiqa (Aqeeqah) donation could provide a family with a meal and give them the vital nutrients they need. They would also have the chance to share in the celebration of new life. The reward of this beloved Sunnah, and virtuous act in Islam benefits so many of us.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷻ provided an Aqiqa to each of his two grandsons, Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husain.

The Aqiqa ceremony is often carried out first and then accompanied by a social gathering with family and friends, where a section of the meat is shared as a meal.

An Aqiqa (Akika) usually takes place on the seventh day after a baby’s birth. However, there’s nothing wrong with doing it at a later time.

There’s a difference of opinion on whether Aqiqah is a mandatory act or Sunnah Mu’akkadah (an act of worship performed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) continuously). The more dominant opinion is that it’s a Sunnah Mu’akkadah.

The Aqiqah sacrifice is usually carried out by an adult male according to normal Sharia guidelines regarding meat. The animal(s) must be healthy, meet the requirements for minimum age for slaughter and not be slaughtered in sight of other animals.

The sacrifice is then divided between the family members who are carrying out the Aqiqah sacrifice. It’s then handed out to the poor and needy. For family and friends, a party it’s often arranged to celebrate and share the meat.

For a baby boy, two animals are sacrificed during the Aqeeqah . 

For a baby girl, one animal is sacrificed during the Aqeeqah .

Islamic Relief has designed its Aqiqah Project to allow people to donate the sacrifice meal directly to those most in need.

The Aqiqah Project provides an opportunity for those who cannot afford to purchase meat, to have the nutritional benefit of an Islamic Relief Meat Packet. The project involves the distribution of these fresh meat packets to the most vulnerable people, including women, children, the elderly and refugees. Each Aqiqah meat packet distributed contains a sufficient amount of meat (5kgs on average) for a family.

Here’s a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that you can use for further guidance.