An Islamic custom known as “Aqeeqah” is carried out in honor of a child’s birth. Along with certain traditions and prayers, this ceremony entails the killing of an animal. Aqeeqah is important because of its social and community features in addition to its spiritual benefits. When selecting the animal for the qurbani, parents who intend to perform Aqeeqah should keep in mind a few crucial factors. These issues will be carefully reviewed in this component, which will be backed up by Islamic sources.

Aqeeqah and their Understanding

The basic principle of Aqeeqah is found in Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) Sunnah (traditions). It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (recommended deed) that is carried out to thank Allah for the blessing of a child. One animal is killed for a baby boy and one animal for a baby girl as part of this custom; however, the amount of animals killed can vary depending on the school of Islamic law.

Giving thanks to Allah, protecting the kid from harm, and introducing the child to the community are the three main goals of Aqeeqah. Additionally, it’s a chance to share meat with loved ones, neighbors, and those in need, inspiring kindness and a sense of community.

Choosing the Right Animal

Selecting the appropriate animal for Aqeeqah is a significant aspect of the ritual. The following points highlight the key considerations.

1. Type of Animal

Sheep, goats, buffalos, and camels are the most often used qurbani animals for Aqeeqah. Islamic custom requires that the animal must fall into one of the approved categories for qurbani on Eid al-Adha.
The animal needs to be a specific age, in good health, and free of any deformities. For example, a sheep or goat must be one year old, but a camel must be five years old, and a cow must be at least two years old. The basis for this condition is found in the Hadith, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the concept of qurbani, or an animal that has attained an appropriate age and is without any flaws.

2. Health and Condition

The animal must not be blind, have only one eye, or exhibit other outward symptoms of disease, such as limping or starvation. “There are four that will not do for qurbani,” stated the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): an emaciated animal that no one would choose, a sick animal whose sickness is obvious, a lame animal whose lameness is obvious, and a one-eyed animal whose defect is obvious” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Book 15, Hadith 2785).
Since the animal represents the sincerity and purity of the act of worship, it is imperative to ensure its good health and condition.

Aqeeqah and their Intention and Ethics

The choice and qurbani of the animal should be done with pure intent, for Allah’s sake (niyyah). It shouldn’t be done for selfish or other selfish reasons.
Another fundamental Islamic tenet is to treat animals with compassion and to make sure they don’t endure needless pain. Even when an animal is being slaughtered, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised us to have sympathy for them.

The Slaughtering Process

The process of slaughtering the animal for Aqeeqah should adhere to Islamic guidelines.

1. Recitation of Bismillah and Takbeer

Before slaughtering, one should say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest). This is based on the Hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed to mention the name of Allah before slaughtering the animal.

2. Swift and Humane Slaughter

The knife used for slaughter should be sharp to ensure a quick and painless death for the animal. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When you slaughter, slaughter well and when you kill, kill well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters” (Sahih Muslim, Book 21, Hadith 4810).

3. Distribution of Meat

Separate the meat from the Aqeeqah into three portions: one for the family, one for friends and family, and one for the underprivileged and destitute. This distribution strengthens ties within the society and guarantees that the act of Aqeeqah benefits a large number of individuals.

When to Perform Aqeeqah

The seventh day following the child’s birth is the ideal time to perform Aqeeqah. In the event that the seventh day is not feasible, it can be completed on the fourteenth or twenty-first days. If these days are likewise impractical, Aqeeqah might be carried out whenever the parents are free to do so at a later time. The Prophet Muhammad is said to have said in the Hadith that this timing.

Additional Rituals

In addition to the animal’s killing, other customs involve shaving the infant’s head and donating the equivalent weight of the hair in silver to charity. As stated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “A boy is in pledge for his Aqeeqah, so slaughter on his behalf on the seventh day, shave his head, and name him” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Book 15, Hadith 2832). The act represents the child’s admission into the Muslim society as well as purification.

Conclusion

Islam’s beloved custom of performing aqeeqah, which expresses appreciation to Allah and welcomes the new-born into the Muslim community, is deeply held. It is crucial to select a healthy, defect-free animal for Aqeeqah and to make sure the slaughtering procedure complies with Islamic law. These customs not only demonstrate devotion to the Sunnah but also show kindness, charity, and a sense of community. Parents can fulfil their religious obligations while maintaining the moral and spiritual core of Aqeeqah by taking these factors into account.