Aqeeqah in Islam: Meaning, Sunnah Method & Complete Guide for Parents

Welcoming a newborn is one of the greatest blessings Allah grants a family. Alongside the joy, the first week brings a beautiful Sunnah that Muslims have practised for over fourteen centuries: Aqeeqah (also written Aqiqah or Aqeeqa). Whether you live in Lahore or are a Pakistani parent in London, Dubai or Toronto, this guide explains what Aqeeqah in Islam means, how the Prophet ﷺ performed it, and how to arrange it properly today.

What Is Aqeeqah in Islam?

Aqeeqah is the sacrifice of an animal, usually a goat or sheep, as an act of gratitude to Allah for the birth of a child. The word comes from the Arabic root ‘aqq, meaning “to cut”, which refers both to the sacrifice and to shaving the newborn’s hair.

The foundation of the practice is the well-known hadith narrated by Samurah ibn Jundub (RA), recorded by Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i and Ibn Majah, in which the Prophet ﷺ said that every child is held in pledge for his Aqeeqah, which is sacrificed on his behalf on the seventh day, when his head is shaved and he is given a name.

The Prophet ﷺ also performed Aqeeqah for his grandsons, Hasan and Husain (RA), which is why parents across the Muslim world regard it as a cherished Sunnah of welcoming a child.

Is Aqeeqah Compulsory?

Aqeeqah is not fard (obligatory). The majority of scholars, including the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools, consider it a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (strongly emphasised Sunnah). In the Hanafi school, followed by most families in Pakistan, it is regarded as mustahab (recommended and rewarded). Either way, scholars encourage every family who can afford it to perform Aqeeqah, and it should never be a burden that leads to debt.

How Many Goats for a Baby Boy and a Baby Girl?

Based on the hadith of Umm Kurz (RA) recorded by Abu Dawud and Nasa’i, the Sunnah is:

• Baby boy: two goats (or sheep) of similar quality
• Baby girl: one goat (or sheep)

If a family cannot afford two animals for a boy, many scholars hold that one animal still fulfils the Sunnah, since the Prophet ﷺ is reported to have sacrificed one ram each for Hasan and Husain. In Hanafi fiqh, a share in a large animal such as a cow can also be used for Aqeeqah, although in Lahore most families choose healthy goats.

When Should Aqeeqah Be Done?

The preferred day is the seventh day after birth. Counting starts from the day of birth: a baby born on a Friday would typically have Aqeeqah on the following Thursday. If the seventh day passes, many scholars recommend the 14th or 21st day, and the Aqeeqah remains valid if performed later. You can read more in our guide to Aqeeqah rules, timing and meat distribution.

The Sunnah Practices of the Seventh Day

Aqeeqah is part of a set of beautiful Sunnah acts that welcome a child into the Muslim community:

1. Tahneek: softening a date and gently rubbing it on the baby’s palate, as the Prophet ﷺ did for newborns (recorded in Bukhari and Muslim).
2. Adhan in the ear: many families recite the Adhan in the baby’s right ear shortly after birth.
3. Naming the child: choosing a good, meaningful name, ideally announced by the seventh day.
4. Shaving the head: the baby’s hair is shaved, and its weight in silver is given in charity, following the example of Sayyidah Fatimah (RA) for Hasan (RA), as reported by Tirmidhi.
5. The sacrifice: the Aqeeqah animal is slaughtered in the name of Allah with the child’s name mentioned in the intention.

Conditions for the Aqeeqah Animal

Scholars generally apply the same standards as Qurbani animals. The animal should be:

• Of the right age: a goat should be at least one year old. In Pakistan, this is commonly checked by the two permanent front teeth (a “two-teeth” or dondha goat).
• Healthy and well-nourished: not sick, weak or emaciated.
• Free from major defects: not blind, lame, or missing a large part of the ear or tail.

At Aqeeqah.pk, every goat is a hand-selected, two-teeth healthy animal sourced from trusted farms, so you never have to worry about whether the animal meets Shariah conditions.

What Is Said at the Time of Slaughter?

The animal is slaughtered facing the Qiblah with a sharp knife, reciting Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. It is good to make the intention for the specific child, mentioning the child’s name and their father’s name, and to make dua that Allah accepts it. At Aqeeqah.pk, the child’s name is announced before each sacrifice, and this moment is captured in the HD video sent to parents on WhatsApp.

What Happens to the Aqeeqah Meat?

Aqeeqah meat can be eaten by the family, gifted to relatives and friends, and given to the poor. Many families follow the recommended practice of dividing it into thirds, while others cook it and host a gathering to celebrate the baby. Some families prefer to donate all of it. All of these options are permissible.

In Lahore, Aqeeqah.pk can deliver neatly packed meat to your home, or distribute it on your behalf to deserving families, orphanages and madrassas.

Arranging Aqeeqah in Lahore the Easy Way

Finding a healthy goat outside Eid season, arranging a qualified butcher, managing cleaning and packing, and handling distribution can be exhausting, especially in the first week after delivery. That is why Aqeeqah.pk offers a complete, end-to-end service:

• Hand-picked, Shariah-compliant goats
• Professional slaughtering with the child’s name recited
• HD video proof on WhatsApp
• Hygienic, separately packed cuts (Chops, Raan, Dasti, Puth, Chest, Neck), with Kaleji and Paye included
• Doorstep delivery across Lahore or charity distribution

You can choose how you want it performed: full management with delivery, visiting our farm to witness the sacrifice, or having our team slaughter at your home. See the full process on our How It Works page.

Note: This article provides general guidance. For specific rulings related to your circumstances, please consult a qualified local scholar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aqeeqah in Islam?

Aqeeqah is the Sunnah of sacrificing an animal, usually a goat or sheep, as thanks to Allah for the birth of a child. It is traditionally done on the seventh day, along with naming the baby and shaving its head.

Is Aqeeqah compulsory?

No. Aqeeqah is not obligatory. Most scholars consider it a strongly emphasised Sunnah, and the Hanafi school regards it as recommended (mustahab). Families who can afford it are encouraged to perform it.

How many goats are needed for Aqeeqah?

The Sunnah is two goats for a baby boy and one goat for a baby girl. If two are not affordable for a boy, many scholars say one still fulfils the Sunnah.

Can I arrange Aqeeqah in Lahore if I live abroad?

Yes. You can appoint Aqeeqah.pk to perform the Aqeeqah on your behalf in Lahore. You receive HD video proof with your child's name announced, and the meat is delivered to family or distributed to the needy.