Chapter on the Rulings of the ʿAqīqah

The ʿaqīqah is a right the child holds over his father. It is the animal sacrificed on the child’s behalf as a devotional act to Allah, and it is a sunnah instituted by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. He performed the ʿaqīqah for al-Hasan and al-Husayn, as related by Abū Dāwūd and others. His noble Companions followed his example, slaughtering on behalf of their children, and the Successors after them did the same.

Some scholars consider the ʿaqīqah obligatory, citing the report transmitted by al-Hasan from Samurah in which the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Every child is pledged for his ʿaqīqah.” Aḥmad commented, “Meaning: his intercession for his parents is held in pledge until it is offered.” Ibn al-Qayyim added, “It is a cause for the child’s good disposition and character when the ʿaqīqah is carried out for him.”