Question: A child passed away three days after birth. Can we perform the `aqiqah` (sacrifice) in the name of the deceased child? Please clarify this in the light of Hadith.
Answer: The command to perform `aqiqah` is given for the seventh day after the child’s birth. There is no command in any Hadith to perform `aqiqah` before seven days. Samurah bin Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
كلُّ غلامٍ رَهينةٌ بعقيقتِهِ تُذبَحُ عنهُ يومَ سابعِهِ ويُحلَقُ ويُسَمَّى (Sahih Abi Dawood: 2838)
Translation: “Every boy is in pledge for his `aqiqah`, which should be slaughtered for him on the seventh day, his head should be shaved, and he should be named.”
This Hadith indicates that `aqiqah` should be performed on the seventh day after the child’s birth. If a child passes away before reaching the seventh day, `aqiqah` should not be performed in their name because the child did not reach the day on which `aqiqah` is prescribed.
Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi, Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah, Saudi Arabia
Discover how Muslim women’s faith and obedience can transform society. Learn key Islamic teachings from the Quran and Hadith Read More
Explore the authentic Sahih al-Bukhari narration refuting claims that Hind bint Utbah ordered Hamza's death Read More
Explore the profound significance of Fajr prayer in Islam, its immense rewards, and why it's a crucial test of faith Read More
Explore the often-overlooked third group of Companions who chose to abstain from internal fighting during a tumultuous period in Islamic… Read More
Learn about love, hatred, and hypocrisy in Islam through hadiths and Ibn Hajar's insights Read More
A husband called his wife 'sister.' Does this break the marriage? This article explains the Islamic concept of Zihar, its… Read More