Aqiqah for Deceased Infants: Islamic Perspectives and Guidelines

Understanding Aqiqah: Is It Required for Deceased Children?

Question: A neighbor’s eight-month-old daughter was born and stayed in the hospital for ten days before passing away. She never came home. Should her `Aqiqah` (Islamic ritual sacrifice) be performed?

Answer: If the parents had the means to perform `Aqiqah`, they should have done it on the seventh day after the child’s birth. If they did not have the means, there is no issue, and it is not necessary for the child to be at home for `Aqiqah` to be performed.

Now, the question arises: if a child or person passes away without `Aqiqah` being performed, can `Aqiqah` be done on behalf of the deceased? According to Islamic teachings, there is no evidence that `Aqiqah` should be performed for the deceased. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform `Aqiqah` for a deceased child. However, some scholars have stated that it is permissible to perform `Aqiqah` for a deceased child.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (May Allah preserve him)

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫