Aqiqah
Honouring New Life Through Charity
What Is Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is a beautiful Sunnah tradition in Islam, performed to celebrate the birth of a child by offering a sacrifice of livestock and distributing the meat to those in need. It is an act of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of new life, a symbol of faith, and a way to support others through charity.
The Meaning and Purpose of Aqiqah
Aqiqah goes beyond a mere tradition, it’s in and of itself, an act of worship. It demonstrates thankfulness to Allah, helps our brothers and sisters in humanity who are in need, and marks the child’s introduction into the Muslim community.
In Islam, we are taught to remember Allah in every circumstance, both in times of ease and in times of hardship, and to recognise that all blessings in our lives come from Him.
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded us to sacrifice two sheep for a boy’s ‘Aqiqah and one sheep for a girl.” Sunan Ibn Majah
By performing Aqiqah, you’re both fulfilling a Sunnah, but also giving the gift of nourishment and hope to others who don’t have access to food as easily.
What Are The Rules Of Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is a highly recommended Sunnah, and while it’s a voluntary act, there are important guidelines to follow for those who wish to perform it:
- Timing: The Sunnah encourages performing the Aqiqah on the seventh day after the baby’s birth. If this is not possible, some scholars permit it to be done later, while others suggest the 14th or 21st day as alternative dates.
- Additional Sunnah acts: On the seventh day, it is also Mustahab (recommended) to name the child and shave the baby’s head.
- Number and type of animals: It is Sunnah to sacrifice two sheep or goats for a boy and one for a girl. The animals must be healthy, of proper age, and free from defects or illness, just as required in Qurbani.
- Distribution of the meat: The meat from the Aqiqah should be shared generously. According to some scholars, it may be divided into three parts—one for the family, one for friends or neighbours, and one for the poor and needy, spreading happiness and gratitude through the act.
How Aqiqah Works at Mission Relief
Mission Relief will perform your Aqiqah by purchasing, sacrificing, cooking and distributing the meat to the community. Beneficiaries typically include, but are not limited to, orphans and people living in poverty. A feedback video is available on request.
How Many Animals Should Be Sacrificed?
According to Sunnah:
- For a boy, two sheep (or equivalent animals) should be sacrificed.
- For a girl, one sheep (or equivalent animal).
If a family cannot afford the full number, offering whatever is within their means is still rewarded by Allah.
When Should Aqiqah Be Performed?
Traditionally, it takes place on the seventh day after a baby’s birth. However, there’s nothing wrong with doing it at a later time if you’ve missed the 7th day.
Mission Relief ensures your Aqiqah is carried out according to Islamic guidance and local needs.
Why Perform Aqiqah Through Mission Relief
100% Donation Policy, every penny goes to charitable work.
Ethical sourcing and Sharia-compliant sacrifice.
Transparent reporting and accountability.
Easy online process with trusted global delivery partners.
Distributed where it makes the most impact, feeding families in poverty-stricken regions.
Aqiqah vs Qurbani – What’s the Difference?
Though both involve sacrifice, Aqiqah and Qurbani differ in purpose and timing:
Sacrifice | Aqiqah | Qurbani |
|---|---|---|
Occasion | Birth of a child | Eid al-Adha |
Obligation | Sunnah | Highly recommended or Wajib in the Hanafi Madhab |
Timing | 7th day (or later) after birth | During Eid al-Adha (10th-13th Dhul Hijjah) |
Beneficiaries | Families, poor, local communities | Families, poor, global relief |
Both acts share the same spirit of giving, gratitude, and supporting the needy, embodying the compassion of Islam.
FAQs – Understanding Aqiqah
Yes. Mission Relief allows you to perform Aqiqah in East Africa where your donation have maximum impact and help those most in need. The sacrifice and distribution are handled according to Islamic law.
Yes, Aqiqah can be performed on behalf of your child or even as a gift for another family’s newborn.
The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among those in need, families, widows, orphans, and vulnerable communities.
Yes. It is narrated that Aqiqah acts as a form of protection and blessing for the child, while also earning great reward for the parents.
“Aqiqah is prescribed for every child. Thus give thanks on its behalf, and remove the harm off it.” [Tirmidhi]
The Aqiqah is traditionally paid for by the father of the newborn, although another relative may cover the cost if the father is unable to or gives permission for them to do so.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed the Aqiqah for his grandsons, Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with them), setting a beautiful example for the Ummah.
It is recommended for every sane adult who is financially able and eligible to pay Zakat to perform Aqiqah upon the birth of a child.
Currently Mission Relief sacrifices and distributes your Aqiqah sacrifice in Kenya.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended it, therefore it is a Sunnah.
Continue Your Giving Journey
After completing your Aqiqah, you can extend your blessings through other forms of giving:
