Definition:
“Aqiqah” is an Islamic ceremony that marks the child’s birth and initiation into the Muslim community, where the newborn is presented to family and friends, and an animal, usually a lamb or goat, is sacrificed as a sign of gratitude to Allah and served to the guests.
Etymology:
The term “Aqiqah” comes from the Arabic word “عقيقة,” which refers to the practice of sacrificing an animal during the child’s birth celebration. It is derived from the root word “عقّ,” which means to cut or to slaughter.
Description:
The child’s head is shaved on the seventh day after birth, and the hair is weighed. The equivalent weight in silver is given as charity.
The sacrifice of one or two animals (usually sheep or goats). For a boy, two animals are often sacrificed, while for a girl, one animal is customary.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is cooked and shared among family, friends, and the needy.
The child is usually named during the Aqiqah ceremony if not already named.
Symbolism:
A lamb is a symbol of a religious child, and it is evident that when they sacrifice a lamb, it symbolizes that the child is being sacrificed to Allah.
The sacrifice is believed to protect the newborn from harm and to bring blessings and prosperity.
The act of shaving the child’s head is symbolic of purification and the removal of impurities, meaning the child is “dirty,” (not willing to do God’s will), and being indoctrinated.
Religion:
The practice of Aqiqah is rooted in the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who performed Aqiqah for his grandsons, Hasan and Husayn. It is considered a recommended Sunnah by many Islamic scholars. Various hadiths (sayings of the Prophet) mention and encourage the practice of Aqiqah, emphasizing its importance and benefits.