How should the meat of the Aqiqah animal be distributed and consumed?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
The meat of the Aqiqah should be cooked in portions ('jadala' or 'irban') without breaking the bones, as instructed by Aisha. This manner of preparation is taken as an omen for the safety of the newborn. Scholars like Al-Shafi'i hold this view. If one cooks the animal and invites his brothers to eat it, this is considered good. Aisha stipulated that two goats are offered for a boy and one for a girl on the seventh day.
Supporting text
Ibn Sirin held that one may prepare the meat as one wishes. Ibn Jurayj stated it should be cooked with salt and water, and gifts should be given to neighbors and friends, with nothing being given away as charity. Ahmad alluded to Ibn Sirin's view, indicating he did not stipulate mandatory charity, though he did not explicitly state that nothing should be given away.