When a child is born, Muslim families celebrate it with a beautiful tradition called Aqiqah. It has been practised for over 14 centuries.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established this practice through his own actions and teachings. He was blessed with his grandsons, Hasan and Hussain. He performed Aqiqah for both of them to set an example for the coming generations of Muslims.

We Muslims have followed it ever since. Nowadays, you can also donate Aqiqah online to help vulnerable communities in far-off areas.

Spiritual Benefits of Aqiqah for the Child

These are the spiritual benefits of performing Aqiqah for the child:

Protection From Evil

Aqiqah serves as a form of spiritual protection for the newborn. Islam makes us aware of spiritual dangers. These dangers are caused by unseen forces and surround us all the time. They can affect our life's trajectory. You perform Aqiqah to ask Allah for a shield against harmful forces.

Blessings and Prayers for a Righteous Future

Beyond protection, Aqiqah opens channels of blessing for your child's entire life. When the sacrifice is made, the family gathers and offers prayers. All of this creates a spiritual environment, surrounding the child's entry into the world (Daoui, 2025).

Emotional and Social Benefits for the Family

These are the emotional and social benefits of performing Aqiqah for the family:

Bringing Family and Community Together

Aqiqah brings people together. You invite family and friends to share a feast. Neighbours and local mosque members participate as well. All these people come together to acknowledge this new life.

As indicated in the research by Narzullaevich (2024), many traditional Muslim societies have these gatherings. They strengthen the social fabric supporting families.

Strengthening Bonds and Shared Joy

Aqiqah creates positive associations and memories that strengthen relationships.

For parents, this gathering provides emotional support. New parents need this in particular during an overwhelming time. Your community celebrates with you to validate the enormity of your experience. It tells you that you are not alone in raising a child.

Charitable Benefits

Here are the charitable benefits of Aqiqah:

Distributing Meat to the Poor

When you sacrifice an animal for Aqiqah, you should not keep all the meat. Islamic tradition encourages distributing a significant portion of it to those who need it. Some scholars recommend dividing the meat into three equal parts. One-third is for your family. One-third is for friends and relatives. One-third is for the poor and needy.

If you’re wondering who pays for Aqiqah, Islam designates the father as the provider of the family. If the father has passed away or cannot afford to perform Aqiqah, then other relatives may step in.

Encouraging Acts of Charity From Childhood

Muslim parents tell their children about their Aqiqah as the children grow older. They tell how the poor were fed at the time of the child’s birth. This story becomes part of the child's identity. It shapes how they see themselves in relation to others.

Key Sunnah Practices in Aqiqah

Now, let's get into the specifics of how Aqiqah is performed according to the Sunnah.

Sacrificing an Animal

Sacrificing an animal is the core act of Aqiqah. Acceptable animals for qurbani donation include sheep, goats, cows, or camels. The animal should be healthy and free from defects. It must also meet the following age criteria:

• Sheep or lamb: 6 months

• Goat: 1 year

• Cow: 2 years

• Camel: 5 years

According to the Sunnah, you should sacrifice two animals for a baby boy, while one animal is sufficient for a baby girl (Arifuddin et al., 2024). Naming the child is another crucial component. Many families announce a name at birth, but the Sunnah teaches us to name the child on the seventh day after birth.

Shaving the Baby’s Hair

Shaving the baby's hair is another key practice of Aqiqah. The hair that grew in the womb is removed, and new hair will grow in its place. This represents the child's new life outside the womb. After shaving the baby's hair, it should be weighed. Then you give its equivalent weight in silver as charity to those in need.

Modern Approaches to Performing Aqiqah

Various Islamic organisations now offer Aqiqah services. You pay for the animal and service, and specify the child's gender. The organisation then performs the sacrifice and distributes the meat in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

Some Muslim charity organisations also accept online Aqiqah donations to distribute the meat in vulnerable areas worldwide.

Conclusion

Aqiqah is not just about following rules. It is about positioning your child's life within a framework of faith, gratitude, and generosity. The emotional dimensions strengthen your family ties. The social dimensions solidify your community links.

So, let your newborn’s Aqiqah be a meaningful beginning to life. That is the Islamic way, and that is the beginning every Muslim child deserves.