By Daud Gafurov — Master Butcher, Red Meat Halal
The birth of a child is one of the greatest blessings a family can receive. In Islam, that blessing is welcomed with a beautiful tradition — the Aqiqah — a sacrifice of gratitude to Allah, and one of the first rights a newborn has upon their parents. For many families, especially those raising children far from their home countries, arranging an Aqiqah raises practical questions: How many animals? Which kind? When? And where do you find meat you can actually trust for something this sacred?
As a butcher who prepares Aqiqah orders for families across the Midwest, I want to walk you through what the Aqiqah is, the Sunnah rules around it, and — from a butcher’s side — how to choose the right halal meat so the occasion is done with the care it deserves. As always, on matters of fiqh, consult a knowledgeable scholar for your specific situation; this is a practical guide, not a fatwa.
What Is Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is the sacrifice offered to celebrate the birth of a child and to give thanks to Allah for the blessing of new life. It is a confirmed Sunnah — highly recommended, practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who performed Aqiqah for his grandsons Hasan and Husayn — though it is not obligatory, and there is no sin on one who is unable to perform it.
“Every child is pledged by his Aqiqah, slaughtered for on the seventh day, and his head is shaved, and he is named.”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Beyond gratitude, scholars describe the Aqiqah as a means of protection for the child and a way of announcing and welcoming the newborn into the community.
The Core Rules of Aqiqah
While details vary between scholars and schools of thought, the widely agreed-upon Sunnah practices are these:
- Number of animals. The most common Sunnah recommendation, based on authentic hadith, is two sheep or goats for a boy and one for a girl. Many scholars note that a family unable to afford two for a boy may offer one according to their means — Islam does not place hardship on people.
- Timing. It is Sunnah to perform the Aqiqah on the seventh day after birth. If the seventh day passes, it may be done on the 14th, 21st, or any subsequent multiple of seven — and according to many scholars, it remains valid later in life if it wasn’t done in infancy. An adult can even perform their own Aqiqah if it was never done for them.
- The animal. The same standards apply as for Qurbani: the animal must be healthy and free of defects — not blind, visibly ill, badly injured, or extremely weak. Age matters too — as a general guide, lambs around six months and goats around one year, depending on the animal and scholarly guidance.
- Other Sunnah acts on the seventh day. Alongside the sacrifice, it is Sunnah to name the child and shave the baby’s head, then give the weight of the hair in silver (or its value) as charity.
How the Meat Is Distributed
There is flexibility here, and it’s worth understanding. Many scholars recommend dividing the Aqiqah meat — like the Eid sacrifice — into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. Others, including some classical scholars, note there is no fixed division required, and that the family may eat, gift, and give charity from it as they see fit. What is consistently encouraged is generosity — sharing the blessing widely, and making sure the needy are included.
Many families also cook the meat and hold a small gathering (walimah) to celebrate the birth, share a meal, announce the name, and give thanks together.
Choosing the Right Halal Meat for Your Aqiqah — a Butcher’s Guide
This is where my work begins, and where families most often ask for help. An Aqiqah is an act of worship — the meat should meet the highest standard, not the most convenient one. A few things to look for:
- Genuine Zabiha, not just “halal.” For an act of ibadah, this matters more than ever. Make sure the animal was hand-slaughtered by a Muslim, with the name of Allah pronounced over it, and certified by a recognized body such as HMS or IFANCA — not simply labeled “halal” with no verification.
- A healthy, sound animal. The Sunnah asks for an animal free of defects. A trustworthy butcher can confirm the animal’s health and source, and won’t cut corners for an occasion this important.
- Lamb or goat, prepared thoughtfully. Sheep and goats are the traditional Aqiqah animals. A good butcher can prepare the meat the way you intend to use it — cut and portioned for a family gathering, or packed for distribution to relatives and the needy.
- Portioned for distribution. If you plan to share the meat in three parts, ask your butcher to portion and pack it accordingly — separated and labeled — so giving to family, friends, and the poor is simple and dignified. This small step honors the spirit of the Aqiqah.
- Someone you can talk to. For something this meaningful, you want a butcher who will answer your questions — about the slaughter, the certification, and how the meat is handled — not a faceless supplier.
A Blessing Worth Doing Well
The Aqiqah is a moment of profound gratitude — thanking Allah for a new life, protecting and welcoming a child, and sharing the blessing with those around you. It deserves meat prepared with the same intention: genuine, Zabiha, and handled with care.
Whether you’re welcoming your first child or your fifth, the principle is the same — do it with sincerity, do it generously, and choose meat you can trust completely. That peace of mind is part of the worship.
Red Meat Halal prepares Aqiqah orders of hand-cut, HMS and IFANCA certified Zabiha lamb and goat — sound, healthy animals, portioned for your family and for distribution to those in need, delivered across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. With 2.5% of every order given as Sadaqa, your celebration helps feed the ummah. Message us to arrange your Aqiqah, and we’ll handle it with the care it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many animals are needed for Aqiqah?
The most common Sunnah recommendation, based on authentic hadith, is two sheep or goats for a boy and one for a girl. Many scholars note that a family unable to afford two for a boy may offer one according to their means. Practices vary between scholars, so consult a knowledgeable scholar for your situation.
When should Aqiqah be performed?
It is Sunnah to perform Aqiqah on the seventh day after birth. If the seventh day passes, it may be done on the 14th, 21st, or a later multiple of seven. According to many scholars it remains valid later in life, and an adult may even perform their own Aqiqah if it was never done for them.
What kind of animal is used for Aqiqah?
Sheep and goats are the traditional Aqiqah animals. The same standards as Qurbani apply: the animal must be healthy and free of defects — not blind, ill, badly injured, or very weak — and of appropriate age (roughly six months for lambs, one year for goats, subject to scholarly guidance).
How is Aqiqah meat distributed?
Many scholars recommend dividing it into three parts — family, relatives and friends, and the poor and needy — similar to the Eid sacrifice. Others note there is no fixed division required and the family may eat, gift, and give charity from it freely. Generosity and including the needy are consistently encouraged.
Does Aqiqah meat need to be Zabiha certified?
Since Aqiqah is an act of worship, the meat should meet the highest standard: genuinely Zabiha, hand-slaughtered by a Muslim with the name of Allah pronounced, and certified by a recognized body such as HMS or IFANCA — not simply labeled “halal” without verification.