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Aqiqah program showing Islamic newborn celebration and charitable meat distribution

Aqiqah is the sacrifice offered in gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a newborn child. It is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who performed Aqiqah for his grandsons al-Hasan and al-Husayn, and who said: “Every child is pledged by his Aqiqah, which is sacrificed for him on the seventh day, and he is named on it, and his head is shaved.” (Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi)

Is Aqiqah obligatory?

Aqiqah is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah mu’akkadah) — strongly encouraged, not obligatory. It is the responsibility of the father or guardian, and is a beautiful way of thanking Allah, seeking protection for the child, and following the way of the Prophet (ﷺ).

How many sheep for a boy or a girl?

The Sunnah is:

  • Two sheep or goats for a boy
  • One sheep or goat for a girl

This is based on the hadith of Umm Kurz al-Ka’biyyah (Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi). If someone is only able to offer one animal for a boy, scholars have said this is acceptable and the Sunnah is still fulfilled — though two is what is recommended.

When is Aqiqah performed?

The Sunnah is to perform it on the seventh day after birth, when the child is also named and the head is shaved. If it is missed on the seventh day, scholars have mentioned the fourteenth and then the twenty-first day; and if delayed beyond that, it may still be carried out later. The animal must meet the same conditions of age and health as the Udhiyah (Qurbani) sacrifice.

What happens to the meat?

Like the Qurbani, the meat of the Aqiqah may be eaten by the family, shared as gifts, and given to those in need. Through a charity, your Aqiqah can be carried out where it is needed most, providing nourishing meat to poor families who rarely eat it.

Can an adult perform their own Aqiqah?

Scholars differ on this. Some, including Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him), held that it is good for a person to perform Aqiqah on their own behalf if their parents did not do so for them. Others consider the Sunnah to be tied to the parents at the time of birth. As this is a point of legitimate difference, we recommend asking a trusted scholar about your own situation.

Give your Aqiqah with Global Helping Hands

GHH carries out your Aqiqah on your behalf in communities facing poverty, distributing the fresh meat to families most in need — fulfilling the Sunnah while feeding the hungry. Choose two animals for a boy or one for a girl, and we handle the rest.

Donate your Aqiqah now →

This guide follows the Qur’an and Sunnah according to the methodology of the scholars of the Sunnah. It is general information, not a fatwa for a specific case — please consult a trusted scholar for your individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Confused about donating? Take a look at our frequently asked questions below.
Aqiqah for a boy and a girl? Traditionally, for a boy, two animals are sacrificed, whereas, for a girl, one animal is sacrificed. This practice is based on the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
As part of the Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah, the Aqiqah is performed at the birth of a child (peace be upon him). It entails the slaughter of animals such as goats and sheep. It usually happens on the seventh day after a baby is born. However, there’s nothing stopping you from doing it later. The sacrifice is then divided among the members of the family who are performing it. It is frequently distributed to the poor and needy. Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Slaughter two comparable sheep for a male newborn and one sheep for a female.” [Tirmidhi]
We have a responsibility at Global Helping Hands to be there for those who most need our help. Millions of people struggle with poverty on a daily basis, with many going days or months without adequate food. Your gift could feed a family and provide them with the essential nutrients they require. They’d also be able to take part in the celebration of new life. This beloved Sunnah’s reward benefits a large number of people.
The cost of Aqiqah for a boy is £130, while the cost for a girl is £70. This covers the expenses of the livestock, slaughter, and distribution to those in need.
The meat from the Aqiqah is distributed to those in need, including underprivileged families and communities. This act of charity helps spread the joy of a newborn’s arrival to those less fortunate.

Aqiqah is ideally performed on the 7th day after the birth of the child. However, if it cannot be done on that day, it can be performed at a later date.

You can easily donate an Aqiqah through our program by choosing to sponsor the sacrifice for a boy or a girl. Our team will handle the process of purchasing, slaughtering, and distributing the meat on your behalf.

Aqiqah is not obligatory but is a highly recommended Sunnah. It brings blessings to the child and family and allows for charitable giving to the community.