What is Aqiqah in Islam? Purpose, Rules & Dua Guide

Aqiqah (Arabic: العقيقة‎) is a beautiful Sunnah in Islam that celebrates the blessing of a child’s birth through the sacrifice (udhiyah) of permissible livestock, most often a goat or sheep. Rooted in the practice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, it is an act of gratitude to Allah ﷻ, a means of seeking His protection (hifz) for the newborn, and a way of sharing joy with family, friends, and those in need.

The Prophet ﷺ recommended performing Aqiqah on the seventh day after birth, together with naming the child and shaving the baby’s head (taḥliq al-ra’s). More than just a ritual, Aqiqah is a moment of worship, charity, and unity—strengthening bonds within the community while honouring a cherished Sunnah.

Purpose and Significance of Aqiqah

The purpose of Aqiqah in Islam is to thank Allah ﷻ for the blessing of a child and to seek His protection (hifz) over the newborn. Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, it is a worshipful act of compassion where the sacrificial meat is shared with family, neighbors, and those in need.

This simple yet profound Sunnah builds ukhuwah (brotherhood and sisterhood), strengthens community bonds, and fulfills the Qur’anic call to charity (sadaqah). Spiritually, Aqiqah marks the child’s welcome into the ummah and reflects the parents’ heartfelt promise to nurture them in line with Islamic values and prophetic guidance.

When is Aqiqah Performed?

In Islam, the best time to perform Aqiqah is on the seventh day after a child’s birth, following the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as recorded in authentic Hadith. On this day, parents also name the child and shave the infant’s head (taḥliq al-ra’s) to complete the newborn Sunnah.

If the seventh day cannot be observed, scholars—especially from the Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools—recommend the fourteenth or twenty-first day, while others permit it at any later time when the family is able. This flexibility shows Islam’s balance between prophetic guidance and mercy for life’s circumstances, ensuring the act remains a sincere gesture of shukr (gratitude) and an opportunity for sadaqah (charity).

Rules and Requirements of Aqiqah

The rules of Aqiqah are rooted in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and guided by Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). The sacrificial animal must be from permissible livestock (an‘ām)—such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel—and meet Shariah conditions for age, health, and being free from defects, just as in udhiyah during Eid al-Adha.

For a baby boy, the Sunnah is to sacrifice two animals; for a baby girl, one animal. The meat may be given raw or cooked but should be shared generously with relatives, neighbors, and the poor to fulfill the spirit of sadaqah (charity). Aqiqah is recommended for those with istita‘ah (financial ability) and waived for those without means, reflecting Islam’s balance between devotion and compassion.

Difference Between Aqiqah and Qurbani

Aqiqah and Qurbani (Udhiyah) are both acts of ritual sacrifice in Islam, but they serve different purposes and take place at different times. Aqiqah is a Sunnah carried out to celebrate the blessing of a child’s birth, most often on the seventh day, following the practice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Qurbani, or Udhiyah, is a Wājib or highly emphasized Sunnah—depending on the school of thought—performed during the days of Eid al-Adha to honor the devotion and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and his son Prophet Isma‘il عليه السلام.

In both, the sacrificial animal must meet Shariah requirements for permissible species, proper age, good health, and freedom from defects. Yet, their rulings, occasions, and spiritual symbolism are distinct—Aqiqah welcomes new life into the ummah, while Qurbani revives the legacy of obedience and submission to Allah ﷻ.

Dua for Aqiqah for Girl

When performing Aqiqah for a newborn girl, the niyyah (intention) should clearly state that the sacrifice is being offered on her behalf, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. At the time of slaughter, the dua is recited in the same way as other valid sacrifices, but with the baby’s name mentioned to personalize the offering.

Dua for Aqiqah for Boy

When performing Aqiqah for a newborn boy, the niyyah (intention) should clearly state that the sacrifice is being offered on his behalf, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. At the time of slaughter, the dua is recited as in other valid sacrifices, but with the boy’s name mentioned to personalize the act of worship.

Who Should Perform Aqiqah?

In Islam, the responsibility for performing Aqiqah rests primarily with the parents, especially the father as the qawwām (guardian and head of the household), according to the majority of scholars in fiqh. If the father is absent or unable, the mother or a legal guardian may arrange it so that this Sunnah is fulfilled. The one performing Aqiqah must have istita‘ah (financial means) without placing themselves in hardship.

If it cannot be done at the recommended time, it may be postponed until the family is able, or another relative may carry it out as an act of sadaqah (charity) on behalf of the child. This flexibility reflects Islam’s balance between following prophetic guidance and showing compassion for different life situations.

Common Misconceptions About Aqiqah

There are a few common misunderstandings about Aqiqah that can lead to confusion.

1. One is the idea that it is fard (obligatory) for every Muslim parent, when in fact most scholars consider it a Sunnah Mu’akkadah—a highly recommended act, but not compulsory.
2. Another is the belief that it must be done only on the seventh day; scholars agree it can also be performed on the fourteenth, twenty-first, or at any later time when the family has istita‘ah (financial means).
3. Some also think the meat from Aqiqah must be given only in its raw form, but it can be shared either cooked or uncooked, depending on what is most practical and beneficial.
4. Finally, there is a misconception that Aqiqah removes “original sin”—a belief that has no basis in Islamic creed (‘aqīdah’), as Islam teaches that every child is born upon the fitrah (pure, natural state).