FRIDAY SERMON: Aqiqh –
The Prophetic Sunnah, Gratitude for the Blessing of Children, and the Responsibility of Parents.
Mohammad Younis Bhat (Zahid)
All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and from the consequences of our sins. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide; and whomsoever He allows to stray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad ﷺ is His servant and Messenger.
AMMA BA’D (To PROCEED):
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed.
An Advice to Fear Allah (Taqwa)
Respected brothers and sisters in Islam,
I advise myself and all of you to fear Allah, obey His commands, and adhere to the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ.
Allah Almighty says:
“O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except in a state of Islam.”
(Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:102)
Taqwa is the greatest provision for success in this world and in the Hereafter.
“Children Are a Great Blessing from Allah”
Among the countless blessings bestowed by Allah, one of the greatest is the blessing of children. Righteous children are an adornment of this worldly life and, by Allah’s permission, a means of ongoing reward in the Hereafter.
Allah says:
“Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world.”
(Surah Al-Kahf 18:46)
Allah also says:
“Allah has made for you spouses from among yourselves, and from your spouses He has granted you children and grandchildren, and He has provided you with good and lawful sustenance.”
(Surah An-Nahl 16:72)
These verses remind us that children are not merely a source of happiness; they are a trust (Amanah) from Allah. Gratitude for this blessing is expressed not only through words but also through righteous deeds. One of those deeds is AQIQAH.
WHAT IS AQIQAH?
Linguistic Meaning
The Arabic word Aqiqah originally refers to the hair with which a newborn child is born. Later, the sacrifice offered on the occasion of the child’s birth came to be known by the same name.
In Islamic law, Aqiqah is the sacrifice of an animal on behalf of a newborn child as an act of gratitude to Allah and in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
It is not merely a cultural custom; rather, it is an act of worship that combines gratitude, charity, sacrifice, compassion, and obedience to Allah.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AQIQAH IN ISLAM
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ strongly encouraged the practice of Aqiqah.
Sayyiduna Salman ibn ‘Amir (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“A sacrifice is due for a newborn child. Therefore, shed blood (offer the sacrifice) on his behalf and remove the harm from him (by shaving his/her head).”
Reference:- Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 5471)
In another narration, Samurah ibn Jundub (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every child is held in pledge by his Aqiqah. It should be sacrificed for him on the seventh day, he should be given a name, and his head should be shaved.”
References:-
Jami’ al-Tirmidhi (1522)
Sunan Abi Dawud (2838)
Sunan al-Nasa’i
Sunan Ibn Majah
What Does “Held in Pledge” Mean?
Scholars have explained this statement in different ways. The majority of scholars understand it as emphasizing the importance of Aqiqah, not that the child is sinful or spiritually deprived without it. Therefore, Muslims should avoid attributing meanings that are not established by authentic Islamic evidence.
THE WISDOM BEHIND AQIQAH
Aqiqah carries many spiritual and social benefits:-
- Expressing gratitude to Allah for the gift of a child.
- Reviving the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- Seeking Allah’s blessings for the newborn.
- Strengthening family and community ties by sharing food with relatives, neighbours, and the needy.
- Reminding parents that their children are a trust from Allah and that they are responsible for their Islamic upbringing.
Today, many families celebrate the birth of a child with worldly festivities but neglect the beautiful Sunnah taught by the Prophet ﷺ.
Aqiqah is not simply the slaughtering of an animal. It is an expression of gratitude, obedience to Allah, love for the Sunnah, and compassion toward society.
Let us revive this noble Sunnah with sincerity, humility, and simplicity, while avoiding all customs that have no basis in Islam.
THE ISLAMIC RULING ON AQIQAH
According to the majority of Islamic scholars (Jumhur al-‘Ulama’), Aqiqah is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (an emphasized Sunnah). It is a highly recommended act that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ encouraged and that the Companions (رضي الله عنهم) practiced.
Imam al-Nawawi (رحمه الله) writes:
“Aqiqah is an emphasized Sunnah according to our school.”
Reference:- Al-Majmu’ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab (8/431)
Similarly, Imam Ibn Qudamah (رحمه الله) states:
“Aqiqah is an emphasized Sunnah.”
Therefore, every Muslim who has the financial ability should strive to revive this blessed Sunnah.
The Time for Performing Aqiqah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The sacrifice should be offered on the seventh day, the child should be given a name, and his head should be shaved.”
The Preferred Time
The seventh day after the child’s birth is the most virtuous time for performing Aqiqah.
If it cannot be performed on the seventh day due to a genuine reason, many scholars permit performing it later when circumstances allow.
Some narrations mention the fourteenth or twenty-first day; however, these reports are not as strong as the narration concerning the seventh day. Therefore, the seventh day remains the established Sunnah.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AQIQAH?
One of the most frequently asked questions is:
The majority of jurists state that the father is primarily responsible, as he is responsible for the financial maintenance of the child.
Allah Almighty says:
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286)
This verse establishes that if the father genuinely lacks the financial means, he is not held accountable for failing to perform Aqiqah.
Islam is a religion of mercy and ease.
Allah says:
“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”
(Surah At-Taghabun 64:16)
If a father cannot afford Aqiqah, he is not sinful. Allah never obligates His servants beyond their ability.
If the father is unable to perform the Aqiqah, the child’s:
Grandfather,
Grandmother,
Maternal grandfather,
Maternal grandmother
or another close relative may voluntarily perform it.
If the maternal grandparents wish to do so, it is preferable that they first seek the consent of the parents to preserve family harmony and mutual respect.
The Difference Between a Boy’s and a Girl’s Aqiqah
Sayyidah Aishah (رضي الله عنها) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“For a boy, two similar sheep, and for a girl, one sheep.”
If someone cannot afford two animals for a boy, some scholars have permitted offering one animal. Nevertheless, when financially able, following the complete Sunnah is preferable.
Conditions of the Sacrificial Animal
The animal offered for Aqiqah should fulfil the same basic conditions required for Udhiyah (Eid sacrifice):
•It should be healthy.
•It should be free from •obvious defects.
•It should have reached the minimum Islamic age required for sacrifice.
These conditions have been explained by the jurists based on the rulings governing sacrificial animals.
Practical Lessons
Islam is a religion of balance and moderation.
Aqiqah is intended to be an act of gratitude and worship—not a financial burden or a cause of hardship.
If Allah has blessed you with wealth, revive this Sunnah with sincerity and humility.
If you lack the means, do not feel guilty, for Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity.
AQIQAH FOR TWINS OR MULTIPLE CHILDREN
What should be done if twins or multiple children are born at the same time?
The ruling is that each child has his or her own individual Aqiqah. Every child is treated independently in Islamic law regarding this Sunnah.
Therefore:-
If twin boys are born, each boy has his own Aqiqah.
If twin girls are born, each girl has her own Aqiqah.
If a boy and a girl are born together, each receives his or her respective Aqiqah according to the Sunnah.
The wisdom behind this is that Aqiqah is connected to the individual child, not to the birth event as a whole.
The Difference Between Aqiqah and Udhiyah (Eid al-Adha Sacrifice)
Many Muslims assume that the rulings of Aqiqah and Udhiyah are exactly the same. While they share certain similarities, they are two separate acts of worship.
AQIQAH
Performed to thank Allah for the birth of a child.
Connected specifically with a newborn.
A Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Intended as an expression of gratitude and supplication for the child.
Udhiyah
Performed during Eid al-Adha.
Commemorates the devotion and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) عليه السلام.
A separate act of worship with its own rulings and conditions.
Although both involve sacrificing an animal, their purpose, timing, and legal rulings are not identical.
Distribution of the Meat
One of the beauties of Islam is that acts of worship also strengthen social relationships.
The meat of the Aqiqah may be:
■Eaten by the family.
■Shared with relatives and neighbours.
■Given as charity to the poor and needy.
Unlike certain misconceptions, there is no fixed percentage that must be distributed. The objective is gratitude to Allah and generosity towards others.
Shaving the Child’s Head
Among the Sunnahs connected with Aqiqah is shaving the newborn’s head on the seventh day.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“…His head should be shaved.”
Many scholars also recommend giving charity equivalent to the weight of the child’s hair in silver, based on authentic narrations concerning the practice of the Prophet ﷺ with his family.
Giving the Child a Good Name
Islam places great importance on choosing a righteous and meaningful name.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so choose good names.”
A good Islamic name is among the first gifts that parents present to their child.
Avoiding Innovations and Cultural Excesses
Unfortunately, in many communities Aqiqah has become an occasion for unnecessary extravagance and cultural customs that have no basis in Islam.
We should remember:
Aqiqah is an act of worship, not merely a social celebration.
Simplicity is closer to the Sunnah.
Extravagance and showing off should be avoided.
The acceptance of deeds depends upon sincerity.
Allah says:
“Do not be extravagant. Indeed, Allah does not love those who are extravagant.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:31)
Lessons for Parents
The birth of a child is not only a joyful occasion but also the beginning of a lifelong responsibility.
Parents should understand that:
Aqiqah is the beginning not the end—of fulfilling the rights of a child.
Raising children upon faith, prayer, good character, and love of the Qur’an is far more important than a single celebration.
Every child is a trust (Amanah) from Allah.
Aqiqah is a symbol of gratitude, obedience, and compassion. It reminds us that our children belong to Allah before they belong to us. By reviving this Sunnah with sincerity and moderation, we strengthen both our families and our communities.
WHAT IF THE AQIQAH WAS NOT PERFORMED DURING CHILDHOOD?
Sometimes, due to financial hardship, lack of knowledge, or other genuine reasons, a child’s Aqiqah is not performed during infancy.
The scholars have discussed this matter in detail. The majority agree that if the seventh day is missed, the Aqiqah may still be performed later whenever it becomes reasonably possible. The objective remains the same: to express gratitude to Allah and revive the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ.
CAN AN ADULT PERFORM HIS OR HER OWN AQIQAH?
This issue has been discussed by classical scholars.
Some of the early scholars, including Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri and Imam Muhammad ibn Sirin (رحمهما الله), held that if a person’s Aqiqah was not performed in childhood, he or she may perform it later in life.
It is important to note that the narration stating that the Prophet ﷺ performed Aqiqah for himself after receiving Prophethood.
Should Someone Borrow Money to Perform Aqiqah?
Islam does not encourage people to place themselves under unnecessary financial hardship.
If a person is financially stable and only needs a short-term loan that can be repaid comfortably, some scholars have allowed it.
Allah says:
“Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286)
Islam is founded upon mercy, balance, and ease—not unnecessary difficulty.
Deliberately Neglecting the Sunnah of Aqiqah
If a person has the financial ability but intentionally neglects Aqiqah out of carelessness or indifference, he deprives himself of the reward of reviving an important Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
However, it is incorrect to claim—without authentic evidence—that failing to perform Aqiqah will certainly cause specific misfortunes, illnesses, or hardships to the child. Such claims should not be made unless they are supported by clear texts from the Qur’an or authentic Sunnah.
As Muslims, we must speak about Allah’s religion with knowledge, honesty, and evidence.
THE GREATER RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS
Aqiqah is a Sunnah performed on one day, but raising a righteous child is a lifelong responsibility.
Many parents arrange a beautiful Aqiqah celebration but neglect to teach their children:
□Salah (prayer),
□The Qur’an,
□Islamic manners and character,
□Respect for parents,
□Love for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
_ “Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you will be questioned regarding those under your care.”_
Parents will not only be asked whether they performed the Aqiqah; they will also be asked how they raised the trust that Allah placed in their care.
A MESSAGE TO THE MUSLIM UMMAH
Today many Muslims spend large amounts of money on cultural ceremonies and social customs, yet neglect the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Let us renew our commitment today:
●To thank Allah sincerely for the blessing of children.
●To revive the Sunnah of Aqiqah according to authentic Islamic teachings.
●To avoid extravagance and unnecessary customs.
●To raise our children upon faith, prayer, good manners, and love for Islam.
●To make our homes places where the Qur’an and Sunnah are lived, not merely admired.
If every Muslim family revives the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ with sincerity, our homes will become stronger, our children more righteous, and our communities more united.
Concluding Supplication
O Allah!
Forgive all believing men and women, the living and the deceased.
O Allah!
Bless our children and make them among the righteous.
O Allah!
Grant us the ability to follow the Sunnah of Your beloved Messenger Muhammad ﷺ in every aspect of our lives.
O Allah!
Make our children the comfort of our eyes in this world and a source of reward for us in the Hereafter.
Our Lord!
Grant us goodness in this world and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
May Allah send His peace and blessings upon our Master Muhammad ﷺ, his family, and all his Companions.
And all praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. آمين.
(And Allah knows best)
(STRAIGHT TALK COMMUNICATIONS EXCLUSIVE. The author can be reached at Makahmadina11@gmail.com)
