Number of Animals Needed for Aqiqah Boy Versus Girl

Question

Is it acceptable to offer one sheep as `aqiqah for a male child?

Bottom Line

Yes, one sheep for a boy is valid and fulfills the Sunnah, but two are recommended if one has the means.

Quick Answer

The Sunnah is two sheep for a boy and one for a girl, based on an authentic hadith. If only one sheep is offered for a boy, it is still valid. Scholars like Imam Malik and Ibn ‘Uthaymin allowed one, while stressing that two remains preferable.

Key Takeaways

• The Prophet ﷺ instructed two sheep for a boy and one for a girl.
• One sheep for a boy is permissible, but two is the more complete Sunnah.
• Financial ability is considered if one cannot afford two, one suffices.

Detailed Answer

The Sunnah of `aqiqah is supported by multiple authentic hadith.

1. Prophetic Instruction

Umm Karaz (رضي الله عنها) reported:

“On behalf of a boy two sheep and on behalf of a girl one sheep, and it does not matter if they are male or female.” Tirmidhi 1516; Nasa’i 4217

Similarly, ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها) narrated:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded us to sacrifice two sheep of similar type for a boy and one for a girl.” Tirmidhi 1513

2. Reconciling the Narrations

Some reports (Abu Dawud) mention one ram each for Hasan and Husain. Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Bari explained that these weaker reports do not outweigh the multiple authentic narrations commanding two. At best, they prove permissibility when one is offered.

3. Scholarly Views

– Imam Malik allowed one sheep for a boy, noting that two is recommended but not a condition.
– Ash-Shirazi wrote: “The Sunnah is two sheep for a boy and one for a girl, but if a person slaughters one sheep on behalf of each, that is permissible.” (al-Madhhab, 8/433)
– Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin said: “If a person can only afford one sheep, that is acceptable and it achieves the purpose, but if he has the means, then sacrificing two sheep is better.” (al-Sharh al-Mumti‘, 7/492)

4. Wisdom of the Difference

Scholars noted that two sheep for a boy symbolize greater joy and responsibility, while one for a girl reflects ease and mercy. Both, however, remain valid acts of gratitude and protection for the child.

What This Means for You

If you can afford it, offer two sheep for a boy to follow the Sunnah fully. If you can only manage one, it is still valid, acceptable, and achieves the purpose of `aqiqah.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Hadith

1. Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1516: Two sheep for a boy, one for a girl, male or female sheep both valid.
2. Sunan al-Nasa’i 4217: Same ruling on the number of sheep for `aqiqah.
3. Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1513: The Prophet ﷺ commanded two sheep for a boy, one for a girl.

Secondary Sources

4. Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari: Weaker narrations of one ram do not override stronger reports of two.
5. Ash-Shirazi, al-Madhhab, 8/433: One sheep is valid though two are Sunnah.
6. Ibn ‘Uthaymin, al-Sharh al-Mumti‘, 7/492: Clarifies ruling when only one sheep is affordable.