Authentic Hadith Sources of Aqiqah in Islam – Complete Guide with References

Authentic Hadith Sources of Aqiqah in Islam – Complete Guide Aqiqah is one of the most beautiful Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Many Muslim parents want to know the authentic sources of this Sunnah before performing it. In this article, we explain the most reliable Hadith references about Aqiqah with clear explanations. What is Aqiqah? Aqiqah is the Islamic tradition of sacrificing one or two goats/sheep in gratitude to Allah after the birth of a child. The meat is distributed among family and the needy, while the child is named and his/her head is shaved on the same day. Most Authentic Hadith on Aqiqah

1. Hadith of the 7th Day

Text: “Every child is held in pledge for his Aqiqah, which is sacrificed for him on the seventh day. On that day, the child is named and his head is shaved.” Source:

Sunan Abu Dawud (Hadith 2837 & 2838) Also recorded in Sunan an-Nasa’i and Sunan Ibn Majah

Grading: Sahih (Authentic) — Accepted by Imam Albani and majority of Hadith scholars. This Hadith forms the foundation of the Aqiqah Sunnah.

1. Hadith Regarding Number of Animals (Boy vs Girl)

Text: “For a boy, two equal goats (or sheep), and for a girl, one goat.” Sources:

Sunan Abu Dawud (Hadith 2843) Sunan an-Nasa’i (Hadith 4215) Musnad Ahmad

Grading: Hasan (Good) / Sahih li ghayrihi (Authentic through supporting chains). This is the main evidence used by scholars for performing two animals for a boy and one for a girl.

Other Important Hadiths Related to Aqiqah

Timing if 7th Day is Missed: Scholars agree it is still valid to perform Aqiqah after the 7th day. Some narrations mention the 14th or 21st day as alternatives. Shaving the Head & Charity: It is recommended to shave the baby’s head on the 7th day and give charity equal to the weight of the hair in silver (mentioned in Sunan Abu Dawud and Sunan Tirmidhi). Aqiqah as Protection: The Hadith “Every child is in pledge for his Aqiqah” shows that Aqiqah brings blessings and protection for the child.

Scholarly Consensus (Ijma’ of Ulama)

Aqiqah is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (strongly recommended Sunnah). It is not obligatory (Fard), but highly rewarding. The majority of scholars from all four schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) recommend it. There is no direct Hadith in Sahih Bukhari or Sahih Muslim using the word “Aqiqah”, but the practice is firmly established in other authentic collections, especially Sunan Abu Dawud.

Common Questions Answered Q1: Can Aqiqah be done after the 7th day? Yes. Although the 7th day is ideal, it can be performed later. Q2: Is one goat enough for a boy? According to the Sunnah, two are recommended, but one is also accepted by some scholars. Q3: Can we perform Aqiqah for adults? Some scholars allow it, but the majority say it is best done in childhood.

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Conclusion Aqiqah is a blessed Sunnah supported by authentic Hadiths, especially from Sunan Abu Dawud. Performing it brings immense barakah to your child and family. May Allah accept the Aqiqah of every newborn and bless them with a righteous life. Ameen 🤲