Aqiqah: The Islamic Ritual for Newborn Babies Explained

Learn about Aqiqah, the Islamic newborn ritual involving hair shaving, charity, and sacrifice to express gratitude.

9 views

The Islamic ritual for newborn babies, known as 'Aqiqah', involves several key steps. On the seventh day after birth, the baby's head is typically shaved, and a charitable donation, often equivalent to the weight of the baby's hair in silver, is given. This is followed by the sacrifice of sheep or goats—one for a girl, two for a boy—and distributing the meat to family, friends, and the needy. These acts serve to express gratitude to God and to participate in charity.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the purpose of Aqiqah? Aqiqah serves to express gratitude to God for the child's birth and involves charitable acts such as donating meat.
  2. When is Aqiqah performed? Aqiqah is typically performed on the seventh day after the baby's birth.
  3. How many animals are sacrificed for Aqiqah? One sheep or goat is sacrificed for a girl and two for a boy during Aqiqah.
  4. What happens to the meat after Aqiqah? The meat from the sacrificed animals is distributed among family, friends, and those in need.