How to Perform Aqiqah Step-by-Step
A complete, Sunnah-based guide to performing Aqiqah for your newborn — from intention to distribution.
Aqiqah is one of the most beautiful Sunnahs of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), performed to welcome a newborn child into the Muslim community. Below are the six steps a parent should follow to perform Aqiqah correctly.
- 1
Make the intention (niyyah)
Internally dedicate the sacrifice to your newborn child as an act of gratitude to Allah. The intention must be made before or at the time of the sacrifice.
- 2
Choose a Shariah-compliant animal
Select a healthy sheep or goat that is at least one year old (or a 1/7 share of a cow or camel). The animal must be free from major defects such as blindness, severe lameness, or extreme thinness.
- 3
Perform the sacrifice on the 7th day
The Sunnah is to perform Aqiqah on the 7th day after birth. If that is not possible, the 14th or 21st day is recommended. Aqiqah remains valid at any age — even adults can perform their own.
- 4
Distribute the meat
Divide the meat into three portions where possible: one for your family, one for friends and neighbors, and one for the poor and needy. When ordering through Aqiqah USA, the full portion is distributed to underprivileged families on your behalf.
- 5
Shave the baby's head & give silver in charity
It is Sunnah to shave the newborn's head on the 7th day and donate the equivalent weight of the hair in silver to charity.
- 6
Choose a good name
Give the child a meaningful, beautiful Islamic name on the 7th day, as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Doing Aqiqah from the USA
If you are based in the United States, performing Aqiqah locally can be logistically difficult. Aqiqah USA fulfills your Aqiqah on your behalf overseas — including animal selection, Shariah-compliant slaughter, photo documentation, and meat distribution to families in need — typically within 36 hours of payment confirmation.
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