What is the ruling regarding the performance of 'Aqiqah'?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
The 'Aqiqah' is a Sunnah according to the majority of scholars, including Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar, Aisha, the jurists of the Tabi'un, and the Imams of the major cities. Evidence supporting this includes the narration that the Prophet was asked about 'Aqiqah' and responded by detesting the name due to its association with disobedience ('uquq), stating that whoever has a child and wishes to sacrifice for them should do so. Further evidence includes the narration that every male child is mortgaged for his 'aqiqah' to be slaughtered on his seventh day, named, and his head shaved, which Ahmad deemed sound. Another narration indicates the command was for two sheep for a male and one sheep for a female, and the apparent meaning of command implies obligation. Consensus also supports it as being a practice the people were accustomed to and disliked abandoning. The Prophet sacrificed two goats for Hasan and two for Husayn, and the Companions followed this practice.
Supporting text
The Ashab al-Ra'y (Hanafi school) hold that it is not Sunnah but rather an affair of the pre-Islamic ignorance (Jahiliyyah). Al-Hasan and Dawud deemed it obligatory. Abu Hanifa considered it from the customs of Jahiliyyah due to his limited knowledge of reports. The evidence presented by the Ashab al-Ra'y that it is not obligatory is interpreted as emphasizing the Sunnah, reconciling the reports. Furthermore, since it is a slaughter performed for a sudden joy, it should not be obligatory, similar to the wedding feast (walimah) or the welcoming feast (naqee'ah).