"The messenger of Allah was asked about the 'Aqiqah and he said: "Allah, the mighty and sublime, does not like Al-Uquq' as if he disliked the word (Al-Aqiqah). He said to the Messenger of Allah: 'But one of us may offer a sacrifice when a child is born to him.' He said: 'Whoever wants to offer a sacrifice for his child, let him do so, for a boy; two sheep, Mukafaatan, (of equal age), and for a girl, one.' (One of the narrators) Dawud said: 'I asked Ziad bin Aslam about the word Mukafaatan and he said: 'Two similar sheep that are slaughtered together.
The Book of al-'Aqiqah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4212
The Messenger of Allah was asked about the 'Aqiqah and he said: "Allah, the mighty and sublime, does not like Al-Uquq" as if he disliked the word (Al-Aqiqah). He said to the Messenger of Allah: "But one of us may offer a sacrifice when a child is born to him." He said: "Whoever wants to offer a sacrifice for his child, let him do so, for a boy; two sheep, Mukafaatan, (of equal age), and for a girl, one." (One of the narrators) Dawud said: "I asked Ziad bin Aslam about the word Mukafaatan and he said: "Two similar sheep that are slaughtered together."
Commentary on the Linguistic Aspect
The term "Al-Uquq" mentioned by the Prophet refers to disobedience and severance of kinship ties, which Allah dislikes. The Prophet's initial response indicates his dislike for the word "Aqiqah" due to its linguistic proximity to "Uquq," though he later clarified the ruling.
The word "Mukafaatan" means two animals of equal age and similar characteristics, emphasizing the importance of offering comparable sacrifices that match in quality and value.
Legal Rulings and Conditions
This hadith establishes that Aqiqah is a recommended Sunnah (mustahabb) rather than an obligation, as indicated by the phrase "whoever wants to offer."
The ruling distinguishes between male and female children: two similar sheep for a boy and one sheep for a girl, demonstrating the wisdom of Islamic law in considering different circumstances.
The condition of "Mukafaatan" requires the two sheep for a boy to be of the same age and quality, ensuring proper fulfillment of this act of worship.
Spiritual Significance
Aqiqah serves as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a newborn child and as protection for the child from harm.
The sacrifice symbolizes the child's connection to the community of Muslims and represents a form of charity that benefits the poor and strengthens social bonds.
This practice follows the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and emphasizes the Islamic principle of sharing blessings with others.