The birth of a child is such a happy event among Muslim families. The Islamic faith requests us to show our gratitude to Allah (SWT) for this magnificent gift via a unique custom called Aqeeqah. It is an emotional practice of seeking safety, blessings, and a righteous future for the little one, which also includes sacrifice and celebration.
The Dua is:
Arabic Dua:
اللَّهُمَّ هَذِهِ عَقِيقَةُ فُلاَن، دَمُهَا بِدَمِهِ، وَلَحْمُهَا بِلَحْمِهِ، وَعَظْمُهَا بِعَظْمِهِ، اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهَا وِقَاءً لِفُلاَنٍ مِنَ النَّارِ
English Translation:
“O Allah, this is the Aqeeqah of [child’s name]. Its blood is for his/her blood, its flesh for his/her flesh, its bones for his/her bones. O Allah, let it be a protection for [child’s name] from the Fire.”
Replace “fulaan” with the actual name of the child during the recitation.
This beautiful dua shows submission to Allah and requests protection from Hellfire for the newborn.
What Is Aqeeqah in Islam?
Aqeeqah is an Islamic custom offering a sacrifice of an animal, normally a goat or sheep, on the occasion of the birth of a baby. It is an image of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and it is a means of expressing gratitude to Allah and a means of securing the child.
- For a baby boy, it is recommended to sacrifice two animals.
- For a baby girl, one animal is sufficient.
Aqeeqah is usually done on the 7th day after birth, but if it cannot be done then, it can be performed later.
Why Is Dua Important During Aqeeqah?
Dua is a powerful tool for every Muslim. When performing Aqeeqah, making dua:
- Shows your gratitude to Allah
- Asks Allah to protect the child from evil
- Invites barakah (blessings) into the child’s life
- Connects the newborn to the Islamic way from the very beginning
Reciting proper blessings for Aqeeqah helps to complete Sunnah correctly and strengthens the bond between family and Allah.
Other Sunnah Actions on the Day of Aqeeqah
There are other recommended actions to perform on the same day, including praying for Aqeeqah:
- Shaving the baby’s head – The hair is weighed, and the equivalent weight in silver is given as charity.
- Naming the child – If not done already, the baby should be given a good Islamic name.
- Feeding others – Distribute the cooked meat from the sacrifice to the poor, family, and friends.
- Making additional duas – Pray for the child’s good health, long life, and righteous path.