Aqiqah
عقيقة
Pronunciation: ah-KEE-kah
The Sunnah sacrifice of gratitude for a newborn — traditionally two sheep for a boy and one for a girl on the seventh day.
Definition
The sacrifice offered in gratitude for the birth of a child, from the confirmed Sunnah: 'Every child is in pledge for its aqiqah — it is sacrificed for him on his seventh day, his head is shaved, and he is given a name' (Sunan Abi Dawud 2838). Two comparable sheep are offered for a boy and one for a girl (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1513), with one sufficing for a boy where means are limited (Sunan Abi Dawud 2841).
The majority of scholars classify the aqiqah as a strongly emphasized Sunnah rather than an obligation; it remains valid if performed late, and the meat is eaten, gifted, and shared with the poor. The new-child milestone is also when Muslim parents typically name guardians in their wills and begin halal education savings.
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Aqiqah (عقيقة) — The Sunnah sacrifice of gratitude for a newborn — traditionally two sheep for a boy and one for a girl on the seventh day. The sacrifice offered in gratitude for the birth of a child, from the confirmed Sunnah: 'Every child is in pledge for its aqiqah — it is sacrificed for him on his seventh day, his head is shaved, and he is given a name' (Sunan Abi Dawud 2838). Two comparable sheep are offered for a boy and one for a girl (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1513), with one sufficing for a boy where means are limited (Sunan Abi Dawud 2841).
- The Sunnah sacrifice of gratitude for a newborn — traditionally two sheep for a boy and one for a girl on the seventh day.
- Category: General
- Related: Walima, Sadaqah
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-01
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