Aqiqah Obligatory or Merely Considered Sunnah in Islam

Question

Is ʿAqiqah compulsory? What if someone cannot afford it, especially if they are in debt? And if there’s a choice, what takes priority, Hajj or ʿAqiqah?

Short Summary

ʿAqiqah is not obligatory but a confirmed Sunnah. It is prescribed as an act of gratitude for the birth of a child, yet it is not binding on those who are poor or burdened with debt. Hajj takes clear precedence over ʿAqiqah, as it is a pillar of Islam, while ʿAqiqah remains recommended when one has the means.

Key Points

• Scholars differ, but the strongest view is that ʿAqiqah is Sunnah mu’akkadah (a confirmed Sunnah).

• Two sheep for a boy, one for a girl, ideally on the 7th day after birth, though it may be done later.

• Not required if one is poor or indebted.

• If wealth comes later, it is recommended (but not required) to perform it then.

• Hajj takes precedence over ʿAqiqah.

Detailed Answer

The birth of a child is a profound blessing, and Islam encourages expressions of gratitude to Allah through worship and acts of generosity. Among these is ʿAqiqah, the practice of sacrificing an animal on behalf of the newborn.

Scholars have held three opinions on its ruling: some say obligatory, others recommendable, and many affirm it as Sunnah mu’akkadah a strongly emphasized Sunnah. This last view is considered the most accurate, based on the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ, who performed ʿAqiqah for his grandsons Hasan and Husayn.

For a boy, two sheep are prescribed; for a girl, one. While the preferred time is the seventh day after birth, it remains valid at any later point. The sacrifice may be shared through cooked meals or by distributing the meat raw to relatives, neighbors, and those in need.

Financial ability, however, is central. The Qur’an reminds us:

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” (2:286)

And:

“So fear Allah as much as you are able.” (64:16)

For someone struggling financially, or especially one burdened with debts, ʿAqiqah is not required. Scholars agree on this point. Should financial stability come later, it is praiseworthy but not mandatory to perform ʿAqiqah even years after the child’s birth.

When weighing priorities, Hajj comes first. It is a pillar of Islam, while ʿAqiqah is a Sunnah. Thus, if resources are limited, fulfilling Hajj takes precedence over performing ʿAqiqah.

What This Means for You

If you cannot afford ʿAqiqah now, especially due to debts, you are not sinful for leaving it. Should Allah bless you with ease in the future, offering it then remains an act of gratitude and reward. If you must choose, Hajj should always come before ʿAqiqah.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources:

• Qur’an 2:286, 22:78, 64:16
• Abu Dawud (2841), al-Nasa’i (4219)

Secondary Sources:

• Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Da’imah, vol. 11
• Ibn ʿUthaymin, Liqa’ al-Bab al-Maftuh