Aqiqah — One-Sentence Overview
Aqiqah is the sunnah sacrifice for a newborn child performed for the child's welfare and becoming a righteous servant; sunnah is to perform it on the 7th day after birth, with 2 sheep (or 2 cattle shares) for a boy and 1 sheep (or 1 share) for a girl. There is no Eid date requirement — it may be performed any time of year.
Who, When, How Many?
| Child | Sunnah Count | Domestic Total | International Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 👦 Boy | 2 sheep / 2 shares | ₺36,000 | ₺14,000 |
| 👧 Girl | 1 sheep / 1 share | ₺18,000 | ₺7,000 |
Religious Basis
Aqiqah's root word is Arabic ʿAqq (to cut). Source hadith from Hz. Aisha: the Prophet said, "For a boy, two equivalent sheep; for a girl, one sheep" (Tirmidhi, Edahi 17; Abu Dawud, Edahi 21). The Prophet performed Aqiqah for his grandsons Hasan and Husayn on their seventh days.
By school:
- • Hanafi: Mubah/mustahabb (recommended, not sunnah)
- • Shafi'i: Sunnah mu'akkadah
- • Maliki: Sunnah mu'akkadah
- • Hanbali: Sunnah mu'akkadah
FAQ
What is Aqiqah?
Aqiqah (Arabic: ʿAqīqah) is the sunnah sacrifice performed for a newborn child. It is reported that the Prophet performed Aqiqah for his grandsons Hasan and Husayn on their seventh days (Tirmidhi, Edahi 17). The intention is the child's welfare, health, and becoming a righteous servant.
When is Aqiqah performed?
Sunnah is to perform Aqiqah on the 7th day after birth; alternatively the 14th or 21st day, or whenever financial means are available. There is no Eid date requirement — Aqiqah may be performed any time of year. If delayed, the person may perform it themselves once they reach maturity.
How many sheep for a boy vs. a girl?
Sunnah is 2 sheep (or 2 cattle shares) for a boy, 1 sheep (or 1 cattle share) for a girl, based on the Prophet's hadith: "Two sheep for a boy and one sheep for a girl" (Tirmidhi, Edahi 17; Abu Dawud, Edahi 21). If financial means are limited, even 1 sheep for a boy is permissible.
What is the ruling of Aqiqah?
In the Hanafi school Aqiqah is mubah/mustahabb (recommended, not sunnah). In Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools it is sunnah mu'akkadah. Performing it earns great reward; not performing it is not a sin.
Can Aqiqah be combined with cattle share?
Yes. A cattle's 7 shares can be divided across different intentions. One share may be for Aqiqah, others for Qurbani or Nadhr. For Aqiqah, 2 cattle shares (boy) or 1 share (girl) suffice. Select "Aqiqah" intention in the Bakara 195 donation form.
How is Aqiqah meat distributed?
Aqiqah meat distribution follows general Qurbani rules: 1/3 to the poor, 1/3 to relatives/neighbors, 1/3 to the household — sunnah practice. For proxy-performed Aqiqah, all meat is distributed (tasadduq); this is recommended in Maliki and Hanbali schools.
Perform Aqiqah for Your Child
Select "Aqiqah" intention in the donation form and provide the child's name.
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