Children are among God’s greatest blessings, and Islam encourages aqiqah — the sacrifice of an animal after a child’s birth — as an expression of gratitude. However, a common belief holds that failing to perform aqiqah brings misfortune upon the child. Islamic scholars have offered clear guidance on this matter.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “With every child there is an aqiqah. Sacrifice on his behalf and remove his impurity” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5076). Another hadith instructs naming the child, shaving the head, and performing aqiqah on the seventh day (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2832).
The sunnah prescribes two goats for a boy and one for a girl. The animal may be male or female — there is no restriction (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1522).
Scholar Sheikh Ahmadullah said aqiqah is an important sunnah that should be performed for the child’s welfare when one has the means, but there is no authentic hadith stating that not performing it will necessarily cause harm to the child.
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