Aqiqah is a Muslim tradition, which is a celebration of the birth of a child. It expresses thanks to Allah to this blessing. It is a ritual that entails the sacrifice of an animal. This is a ceremony that introduces the baby into society.
Researchers consider Aqiqah as a very recommended Sunnah. Therefore, this implies that it uses the practice of the Prophet. Thus, its roots date back to pre-Islamic traditions as studied historically. Scientists observe that it is important to reinforce social connections by being charitable. Analysts note new innovations such as internet services. Thus, these modifications render the practice available to all the world over.
It is an ancient rite that gives an individual a deep beginning of a new life. So, it combines faith, family, and community as early as in the first week. Therefore, the ceremony is not a mere celebration. Thus, it is a spiritual anchor, a protective ceremony and a statement of gratitude, which establishes a background of blessings in the entire future path of the child.
What is Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is a function that is done to a new born baby. But, the term Aqiqah is derived out of an Arabic word root. It means “to cut.” This means the killing of animals. It also means shaving the head of the baby. The ritual is a means of parents praising Allah because of the child. So, it is a beloved Islam practice.
Therefore, this tradition is a Sunnah. Sunnah is one of the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is strongly advisable to perform Aqiqah. However, it is not mandatory. It is followed by many Muslim families. It is also a lovely means of introduction of a new life.
The Significance of Aqiqah
Children are a wonderful gift of Allah. Aqiqah is a manifestation of thanksgiving. Parents demonstrate their joy to the society. Thus, they give out the blessings to relatives and friends. So, the act is very spiritual.
Aqiqah is also considered to be a protection. According to the Islamic teachings, the ceremony is some guard to the child. It is also able to protect them against suffering. Thus, the prophet, Muhammad (PBUH), said that each child is linked to its Aqiqah. Therefore, the rituals serve as a ritual purification to the baby. It redeems the child. Thus, this enables the child to represent his/her parents in the afterlife. Thus, the ritual enhances the attachment of the child to Islamic values at an early age.
Key Rituals of the Aqiqah Ceremony
The Aqiqah ceremony has certain guidelines. These traditions are grounded in the teachings of the Prophet. After them, there is proper execution of the ritual.
Timing the Ceremony
Aqiqah should be the best time on the seventh day after the baby is born. This is a good time-honored practice. In case the seventh day is not available, then it may be done on the 14th or 21st day. Islam permeates flexibility. In case a family is not able to do it on these days, they may do it another time. According to some scholars, its ability to be done can be at any time before the child reaching puberty. Aqiqah may even be performed by an adult, and it was not done when the adult was a child.
The Animal Sacrifice
The most important aspect of Aqiqah is the animal sacrifice. Therefore, the animal is normally a goat or sheep. It must be healthy. It should be devoid of defects. There should also be a minimum age for the animal. This can be compared to the regulations of the Qurbani sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.
Boys and girls vary in the number of animals. Two animals are killed in honor of a baby boy. A baby girl is sacrificed for the life of one animal. It is grounded on the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This difference does not mean that one of the genders is more valuable. It incorporates cultural traditions of the day. Both boys and girls are honored in the same measure.
Distributing the Meat
Aqiqah is an important element of generosity. Therefore, the sacrificed meat is shared. It is normally divided into three portions.
- A third goes into the consumption of the family.
- A third is divided among family members, friends, and neighbors.
- The poor and the needy are given one-third.
Such allocation enhances communal relationships. It makes sure that the less fortunate are also able to enjoy the celebration. It disperses the joy of the newcomer.
Shaving the Baby’s Head
The other ritual is the shaving of the baby’s head. This is normally performed on the seventh day. It symbolizes purification. The shaved hair is weighed. The same sum of silver or cash equivalent is then given away to charity. This sadaqah (voluntary charity) has blessings to the child.
Naming the Child
Aqiqah is also a day of giving the name to the child. The Islamic name given to children by their parents is meaningful. A good name carrying a positive meaning is a blessing to the child. This is a significant aspect of their Muslimness.
Benefits of Performing Aqiqah
There are many advantages of doing Aqiqah. These are spiritual and social advantages.
Fulfilling a Sunnah
Muslims are imitating the ways of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by performing Aqiqah. Spiritual rewards are received in this obedience. It displays affection and devotion to Islamic culture.
Expressing Gratitude
It is a ceremony that is potent in terms of thanking Allah. It gives recognition to the gift of a child. This appreciation enhances the faith of a person. It develops a closer association with the Creator.
Enhancing the Interpersonal Ties.
Aqiqah unites the people. Dining together and partying develop love. It strengthens family and community relations. It initiates the child into the Muslim society.
Helping the Needy
The aspect of charity is important. The allocation of meat and the donation of silver are ways of taking care of the poor. This is an act that encourages pity. It teaches that giving is important at a tender age.
Aqiqah in the Contemporary World.
The Muslim population is distributed throughout the globe. At times, it is hard to carry out a conventional Aqiqah. This is particularly in the non-Muslim states. This Sunnah has been satisfied in many ways by modern methods.
It is now common to offer online Aqiqah services. It is the family, which is represented by these organizations in the sacrifice. They work in Muslim countries where they find it easier. The carcass is then given to underprivileged communities. This will enable families to do Aqiqah anywhere. It too enlarges the charity circle. The blessings of the sacrifice can extend to individuals in other locations of the world. The spirit of generosity that is at the heart of Islam is in line with this international scope.
Conclusion
Aqiqah is a ceremony that lasts more than a day. It is the initial rock of a platform of faith. A seed to the future of the child is planted by every ritual. The sacrifice educates the necessity of sacrifice in the name of Allah. Head shaving is a sign of cleansing. Compassion is inculcated in the charity given. The common dinner forms a feeling of togetherness. This does not only involve the parents. These are the initial stages in the spiritual training of the child.
The ritual serves as a guide. It establishes the future direction of the child. It is directed to thankfulness, society and piety. The first official promise of the family is Aqiqah. It is an oath to bring their child up in the Islam values. Thus, it is a celebration of fresh life. It is an investment into a righteous future as well. A lifetime can be determined by the echo of this one day.
