Must an adult perform Aqiqah on himself if it was not performed by his parents?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)

Book 57 · Issue 5 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the child reaches maturity and acquires wealth without the Aqiqah being performed, he is not obligated to perform it for himself. Ahmad held this view, stating the responsibility remains with the father because the Sunnah is established concerning others (the parents). The reason for this is that the prescribed act is rooted in the status of the parent, and therefore cannot be performed by a non-related person, similar to the ruling on Zakat al-Fitr.

Supporting text

Ata and Hasan held that the adult should perform the Aqiqah for himself because it was legislated for him and he is held in pledge by it, thus it is appropriate for him to seek release from that pledge.