Aqeeqah(Aqiqah) is a specific type of Qurbani (sacrifice) in Islam, which is performed for a newborn child. It is an act of thanksgiving to Allah for the blessing of the newborn and is considered a Sunnah (recommended practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Aqeeqah is not compulsory but is highly emphasized in Islam.
The Aqeeqah involves the slaughtering of one or two animals, typically sheep or goats, after a child is born. The sacrifice should be performed on the seventh day after the child’s birth, but if it is not possible on the seventh day, it can be done on the fourteenth, twenty-first, or any other day after that.
For a baby boy, two animals (preferably sheep or goats) are sacrificed, while for a baby girl, one animal is sacrificed. A portion of the meat is distributed to the poor and needy, while the rest can be shared with family and friends during a celebratory meal. To perform the Qurbani(sacrifice), you can see from this link.
The Aqeeqah also involves other important practices, such as giving the baby a name, performing Tahnik (softening a date or other sweet and rubbing it on the baby’s palate), and shaving the baby’s head. The weight of the baby’s shaved hair is often given in silver or another form of charity to the poor.
It is important to note that the Aqeeqah is different from other forms of Qurbani, such as the Udhiyah, which is performed during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha. The Aqeeqah is specifically performed for a newborn child, while the Udhiyah commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH).
