Question:
Assalam u Alaikum
As a followup to my question on Aqiqah, is it two sheep for a boy and one for a girl, or can the parents kill one sheep for the boy,and is there a condition for that?
JazakAllah
Answer:
Wa Alaikum As Salaam,
1) There is no requirement to have a Quranic reading or function for the Aqiqah. The meat can be distributed by giving some of it to the poor, some to family and friends and to keep some for oneself. The parents can also cook the meat and invite others to partake (Kitabul Fatawa vol.4 pg. 172,17 3).
2) Yes, for a boy there are two sheep, and for a girl, there is one. If the parents are in a difficult position and they cannot afford two for the boy, then one will suffice. (Kitabul Fatawa vol.4 pg. 171)
And Allah knows best,
Mufti Waseem Khan
12/3/2013