Q:
1. When should I perform aqeeqah for my baby boy? On the 7th day or 14th day or 21st day? Many scholars say that if it was not done on the 7th then it should be done on the 14th. If it was not done on the 14th then it should be done on the 21st.
2. Two sheep should be slaughtered for a baby boy, so can I slaughter one here in Saudi Arabia and one in Pakistan?
A:
1. Aqeeqah is not a compulsory practice. Rather it is mustahab. If one has the means to carry out the aqeeqah, then it is mustahab for one to carry out the aqeeqah on the seventh day of childbirth. However if the aqeeqah was carried out before the seventh day or after the seventh day, it will be permissible. For a boy, two sheep or goats will be slaughtered and for a girl one sheep or goat will be slaughtered. The animal slaughtered for aqeeqah has to fulfil the criteria that are set out for qurbaani.
2. Yes.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)