Mother Performing the Aqiqah Ceremony for Her Child

Question

Can a mother perform the ʿAqiqah for her child if the father has divorced her and does not do it?

Short Summary
ʿAqiqah is a confirmed Sunnah, not an obligation. By default, it is the father’s responsibility. Still, scholars agree that if he refuses, is absent, or cannot afford it, then the mother or anyone else may offer it, and she will be rewarded for reviving this Sunnah.

Key Points

• ʿAqiqah is Sunnah mu’akkadah (a confirmed Sunnah), not obligatory.

• The responsibility falls first on the father, since he provides for the child.

• If the father refuses, is unable, or gives permission, the mother may perform it.

• The Prophet ﷺ himself performed ʿAqiqah for Hasan and Husayn, showing it can be done by someone other than the father.

• If the mother does it, it is valid and praiseworthy.

Detailed Answer

The practice of ʿAqiqah, sacrificing an animal to thank Allah for the blessing of a child, is deeply rooted in the Sunnah. Scholars agree that it is not obligatory but rather a strongly encouraged Sunnah. Whoever performs it earns a reward, while leaving it incurs no sin.

By principle, ʿAqiqah is tied to the father’s responsibility, since he is the one primarily obligated to provide for the child. However, the hadith uses a general expression “slaughter for him on the seventh day” (Abu Dawud 3838) without limiting it to the father.

This openness is reflected in practice: the Prophet ﷺ himself performed ʿAqiqah for his grandsons Hasan and Husayn (Abu Dawud 2841; al-Nasa’i 4219, authenticated by al-Albani). Scholars note this indicates that someone other than the father may perform it if done with his permission, or if he refuses, neglects, or is unable.

Thus, if a father is absent due to divorce, distance, or hardship, the mother may perform ʿAqiqah on behalf of her child. While it is not her obligation, if she chooses to do so, Allah will reward her for reviving a Sunnah and showing gratitude for her child.

What This Means for You

If the father does not perform ʿAqiqah, the mother is not held responsible. But if she chooses to offer it out of love and gratitude, it is valid, rewarded, and considered fulfilling the Sunnah on behalf of her child.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources:

• Qur’an 2:286; Qur’an 64:16
• Abu Dawud (3838), Abu Dawud (2841), al-Nasa’i (4219)

Secondary Sources:

• Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari (9/596)
• Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Da’imah (11/436–442)
• al-Nawawi, Sharh al-Muhadhdhab
• Ibn ʿUthaymin, Liqa’ al-Bab al-Maftuh