The Committed Believer · Sacrifice & the Newborn

Welcoming Newborns with Udhiyah and Aqeeqah

Explore practices for sacrifices, charity, and rituals for newborns in Islam.

7 questions · Medium · about 4 minutes

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7 questions, about 4 minutes.

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1. What should be done with the meat of an udhiyah?

  • Eat some, give some as gifts, and give some in charity. (correct answer)
  • Sell the meat to recover the cost of the sacrifice.
  • Give all of it to the butcher as payment.
  • Keep all of it only for the one who offered the sacrifice.

Why

The person who offers udhiyah is prescribed to eat some of the meat, give some as gifts, and give some in charity. The matter is broad, but the best distribution mentioned is one-third to eat, one-third as gifts, and one-third in charity. It is haram to sell any part of the udhiyah, including the meat or skin, and the butcher should not be paid with any part of it. If the butcher is given some as a gift or charity, that is different from payment.

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2. What should be done with the skin of a sacrificial animal?

  • Use it or give it in charity, without selling it for personal gain. (correct answer)
  • Sell it and keep the money.
  • Give it to the butcher as payment.
  • Throw it away even when it can benefit someone.

Why

The one who offers the sacrifice should not sell the skin or any other part of the udhiyah for personal gain, because the animal has been singled out for Allah. The skin may be used or given in charity to someone who deserves it, such as a poor or needy person. If the skin is given to a poor person and that person sells it, there is no sin. The source also discusses the permissibility of giving skins to charitable organizations that will sell them and give the proceeds in charity, especially when people do not make use of the skins.

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3. If a sheep has had its buttock cut off, is it acceptable for sacrifice when an intact animal or another valid an‘aam animal is available?

  • No, it is not acceptable in that situation. (correct answer)
  • Yes, it is always acceptable.
  • Yes, because the buttock is the same as an ordinary tail.
  • Yes, but only if it is more expensive.

Why

A sheep whose tail has been cut off may still be acceptable, because that does not affect the meat or undermine the purpose. But a sheep whose buttock has been cut off is normally not acceptable, because the buttock is a valuable part of the body. If intact sheep are unavailable, one should move to another valid an‘aam animal, such as goats, cattle, buffaloes, or camels. If no intact sheep or other valid an‘aam animals can be obtained, then offering the available sheep may be acceptable so that the ritual of udhiyah is not cancelled altogether.

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4. What is the minimum age for a sheep to be acceptable as a sacrifice?

  • Six months old. (correct answer)
  • There is no age requirement.
  • One full year in every case.
  • Two full years.

Why

The preferred age for a sheep or ram is older, but the Sunnah shows that a jadh‘ah sheep is acceptable. A jadh‘ah of sheep is understood by the majority as a sheep that has reached six months, though the older it is beyond six months the better. This applies to sheep, not goats; a goat must have reached one year. The same age conditions apply to ‘aqeeqah by analogy with udhiyah. A designated sacrificial animal should also not be sold or replaced for one’s own personal reason unless replacing it better serves the purpose of sacrifice.

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5. What is the minimum age for a sheep to be acceptable for ‘aqeeqah?

  • Six months. (correct answer)
  • One year.
  • Two years.
  • Five years.

Why

The same general conditions that apply to udhiyah also apply to ‘aqeeqah: the animal must be of the correct age and free of disqualifying defects. For ‘aqeeqah, a sheep must be at least six months old, a goat one year old, a cow two years old, and a camel five years old. It is not necessary for the slaughterman to know that the animal is for ‘aqeeqah, nor is it necessary to mention the child’s name or slaughter it at home; the intention of the one offering it is what matters.

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6. What is the Sunnah number of sheep for a baby boy’s ‘aqeeqah?

  • Two sheep. (correct answer)
  • One sheep only, with no recommendation for two.
  • Three sheep.
  • Whatever number the family chooses, with no guidance.

Why

The Sunnah is to offer two sheep for a boy and one sheep for a girl. The two sheep for a boy are recommended, not a strict condition for validity. If someone can only afford one sheep for a boy, or slaughters one sheep, it is acceptable and achieves the purpose. If the person has the means, then offering two sheep is better.

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7. How is the seventh day for ‘aqeeqah generally calculated?

  • The day of birth is counted as one of the seven, according to the majority view. (correct answer)
  • The day of birth is never counted.
  • It depends only on whether the child is born before midday.
  • The seventh day is counted from the child’s first feeding.

Why

It is recommended to slaughter the ‘aqeeqah on the seventh day after birth. According to the majority view cited, the day of birth is counted as one of the seven if the child is born during the day. If the child is born at night, the following day is counted. Thus, if a child is born on Saturday, the ‘aqeeqah would be on Friday; if born on Thursday, it would be on Wednesday. If it cannot be done on the seventh day, doing it later is still acceptable.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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