The Wisdom Behind `Aqīqah: Understanding Its Importance in Islam

Exploring the Significance of `Aqīqah: A Spiritual Ransom for Newborns

WISDOM BEHIND THE LEGISLATION OF AQĪQAH

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Every child is mortgaged by his 'aqīqah, so slaughter for him on the seventh day, and shave his head..." {Abū Dāwūd #2838}

Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) commented:

“ALLĀH the Exalted made the sacrifice on behalf of the child a reason for their release from the devil that clings to them upon their emergence in this life, and a stab in his (i.e., the devil) flank. The ‘aqiqah is a ransom and a release of Satan’s restraining, captivity and hindrance of pursuing the Hereafter. It is as the newborn is mortgaged for slaughter by the devil with the knife, which he prepared for his followers and allies, and swore to his Lord to destroy the descendants ˹of Adam˺, except for a few. He is on alert for the newborns since they enter this life. When they do, he rushes to them, embraces them and makes sure to keep them in his grasp, under his captivity and among his allies and party. He is most keen on this.

The majority of newborns are among his herd and army, as ALLĀH the Exalted said:

وَشَارِكْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ
"And become a partner in their wealth and their children." {Al-Isra' || Verse 64}

HE also said:

وَلَقَدْ صَدَّقَ عَلَيْهِمْ إِبْلِيسُ ظَنَّهُ
"And Satan had already confirmed through them his assumption." {Saba' || Verse 20}

Thus, the newborn was subject to this mortgaging, and ALLĀH the Exalted allowed the parents to release that mortgage through a sacrifice; but if they do not perform it, the newborn remains mortgaged. That is why the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Along with a boy there is an ‘aqiqah, so shed blood on his behalf, and remove harm (hair) from him.”

Therefore, he commanded shedding blood on the child’s behalf, which releases the mortgaging. Had the mortgaging been related to the parents, he would have said: ‘shed blood on your behalf so that the intercession of your children can reach you.’ However, since he (ﷺ) commanded to remove the apparent harm (hair) from him, and shedding blood, which removes the ulterior harm from him, we learn that this ‘aqiqah releases the child from the apparent and ulterior harm. ALLĀH knows best HIS intent and the intent of HIS Messenger (ﷺ).”

{Newborn Baby Guide || Page 98-100}