Q. Is there a special dua to say when performing the Aqeeqa for a new born child? Or can you simply have the intention and then slaughter the animal with Bismillah Allah hu Akbar?
A. It is evident in the tradition of Aisha (R.A) that when the Prophet (S.A.S) did the Aqeeqa of his grandsons Hasan and Husain, he said to those who were slaughtering the animals, say: ‘Bismillah Allahumma laka wa ilaika aqeeqatu Fulaan.’
‘In the name of Allah, O Allah this is for you and to you is the aqeeqa of so and so.’ (Recorded by Imam Baihaqi with a good sanad).
In another tradition from Bazaar and Musili, the tradition of Aisha (R.A) is given in the words, say: ‘Bismillah Allahu Akbar, Minka wa Laka wa Hazihi Aqeeqatu Fulaan.’
‘In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest (O Allah) this is from you and it is for you. This is the aqeeqa of so and so (call the child’s name).’
These traditions show that the Prophet (S.A.S) encouraged his followers to recite the above dua, hence, one should read it. However, if one has the firm intention in his heart and upon that, he slaughters the animal by saying Bismillah Allahu Akbar, then this would be valid.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan