—choosing a good one for the child and avoiding names that are forbidden or disliked, for this is one of the child’s rights over his father.

As for the ʿaqīqah, any animal that would be acceptable for an uḍḥiyah (the Eid sacrifice) is likewise acceptable here with regard to age and soundness. One should therefore select an animal free of defects and disease, complete in its limbs, appropriate in age, and of adequate weight. It is recommended to eat a portion of it, present a portion as a gift, and give a portion in charity—one-third for each, just as with the uḍḥiyah.

The ʿaqīqah, however, differs from the uḍḥiyah in that it does not allow multiple people to share in the sacrifice. A camel or cow is not valid unless it is offered wholly on behalf of a single child, for the ʿaqīqah is a ransom for the individual and therefore does not accept partnership. No textual evidence permits such sharing, and neither the Prophet ﷺ nor any of the Companions ever practiced it.

Attention must also be given to everything that will reform the newborn and raise him upon noble character, for this is a primary cause of his righteousness. The child needs careful cultivation of his manners; he will grow in accordance with whatever habits the caregiver instills. As the poet said:

A youth among us will always rise
Upon what his father used to train his eyes.

Once those traits are fixed, it becomes difficult for him to change them in adulthood. Hence many people’s moral deviations can be traced back to the upbringing they received.

Therefore, the child must be kept away from gatherings of frivolity and falsehood and from evil companions,