The Obligation and Wisdom of 'Aqiqa

The 'Aqiqa is a confirmed Sunnah (mu'akkadah) for a newborn child, with stronger emphasis for a male child. The Prophet ﷺ explicitly commanded its performance, indicating its religious significance in welcoming the newborn into the Muslim community.

The phrase "relieve him of his suffering" refers to the Islamic belief that every child is born with a pledge or vulnerability that is removed through this sacrificial act, serving as redemption for the child and protection from harm.

Scholarly Rulings and Implementation

The majority of scholars hold that 'Aqiqa is recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory, based on the Prophet's consistent practice and the companions' understanding.

For a male child, two sheep are recommended, while for a female child, one sheep suffices. The sacrifice should be performed on the seventh day after birth, coinciding with naming and head shaving.

The animal must meet the same conditions as sacrificial animals for Eid al-Adha: free from defects, of appropriate age, and slaughtered according to Islamic rites.

Chain of Narration Authentication

This narration comes through the reliable chain: Habib bin Ash-Shahid → Ibn Seereen → Al-Hassan al-Basri → Samura bin Jundab → Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Samura bin Jundab was a prominent companion known for his numerous narrations, while Al-Hassan al-Basri was among the most respected successors (tabi'in), ensuring the authenticity of this transmission.

Distribution and Consumption

The meat should be distributed similarly to other sacrificial meat: part for the family, part for relatives and neighbors, and part for the poor. Some scholars recommend cooking the meat before distribution.

The bones should be broken at the joints rather than splintered, symbolizing the child's protection from harm and following the tradition of the Prophet's household.