Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s greatest blessings. In Islam, one way parents can show gratitude to Allah for this gift is through Aqiqah, a Sunnah associated with the birth of a child.

But how does Aqiqah differ for a baby boy and a baby girl? How many animals should be given? And when should Aqiqah be performed?

The Sunnah provides clear guidance. For a baby boy, two sheep are offered for Aqiqah, while for a baby girl, one sheep is offered. Aqiqah is also traditionally performed on the seventh day after the child’s birth.

Whether you are preparing for the arrival of your baby or learning how to fulfill Aqiqah after your child has been born, understanding these guidelines can help you follow this beautiful Sunnah with confidence.

Aqiqah for a Baby Boy vs. Baby Girl: Quick Answer

The main difference between Aqiqah for a baby boy and a baby girl is the number of animals offered.

Aqiqah	Baby Boy	Baby Girl
Number of animals	Two sheep	One sheep
Preferred timing	Seventh day after birth	Seventh day after birth
Purpose	Gratitude to Allah and following the Sunnah	Gratitude to Allah and following the Sunnah

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was asked about Aqiqah and said:

“For the boy is two sheep, and for the girl is one.”

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1516)

The hadith also states that the animals may be male or female.

This means that while the number of animals differs, Aqiqah for both boys and girls is rooted in the same purpose: welcoming a new child by showing gratitude to Allah and following the example taught by the Prophet ﷺ.

What Is Aqiqah in Islam?

Aqiqah is the sacrifice offered in connection with the birth of a child. It is a Sunnah practiced as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of new life.

For families learning about Aqiqah for the first time, it is important to understand that it is not simply a celebration or cultural tradition. Its basis comes from the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Muslim families around the world may celebrate the arrival of a newborn in different ways, but the Islamic practice of Aqiqah is connected to the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.

If you would like a deeper introduction to its meaning, timing, cost, and spiritual significance, read our complete guide to Aqiqah in Islam.

How Many Animals Are Needed for Aqiqah?

According to the Sunnah, the number of animals offered for Aqiqah differs for a baby boy and a baby girl.

For a baby boy, the Sunnah is to offer two sheep, while for a baby girl, the Sunnah is to offer one sheep.

This guidance comes directly from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Aisha (ra) narrated:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded us to sacrifice two sheep for a boy and one sheep for a girl.”

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1513)

This distinction is one of the most commonly searched questions about Aqiqah and provides families with clear guidance when preparing to fulfill this Sunnah.

What Are the Aqiqah Rules for a Baby Boy?

For the birth of a baby boy, the Sunnah is to offer two sheep for Aqiqah.

Another narration from Umm Kurz (ra) reports that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“For the boy is two sheep, and for the girl is one.”

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1516)

The two animals should meet the appropriate requirements for sacrifice. The hadith also makes clear that either male or female sheep may be used.

Aqiqah is traditionally performed on the seventh day after the baby's birth. Other practices associated with the occasion include naming the child and shaving the baby's head.

For parents welcoming a son, Aqiqah offers a meaningful way to begin this new chapter with gratitude to Allah while following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.

What Are the Aqiqah Rules for a Baby Girl?

For the birth of a baby girl, the Sunnah is to offer one sheep for Aqiqah.

The same Prophetic guidance that establishes two sheep for a boy establishes one for a girl. Aqiqah for a daughter carries the same purpose of thanking Allah for the blessing of a newborn and following the Sunnah.

As with a baby boy, the seventh day after birth is traditionally associated with performing the Aqiqah, naming the child, and shaving the baby's head.

The difference in the number of animals should not be understood as a difference in the value of a son and daughter. Both children are blessings from Allah, and Islam teaches parents to welcome and care for their children with gratitude.

Why Are Two Animals Given for a Boy and One for a Girl?

The Sunnah establishes two animals for the Aqiqah of a baby boy and one for a baby girl. However, Muslims should be careful not to assign their own meaning to this distinction where the authentic texts do not provide one.

The ruling comes from the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and it should not be interpreted to mean that a baby boy is more valuable or more deserving of celebration than a baby girl.

The Qur'an describes both daughters and sons as gifts granted by Allah:

“To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He creates whatever He wills. He grants daughters to whoever He wills and sons to whoever He wills.”

(Qur'an 42:49)

Aqiqah is ultimately an expression of gratitude. Whether Allah blesses a family with a daughter or a son, the birth of a child is an opportunity to thank Him and welcome that new life according to the Sunnah.

Is Aqiqah Mentioned in the Quran?

Aqiqah is not specifically commanded or described in the Quran. The practice and its rules are established through the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The Quran does, however, repeatedly remind Muslims that children are a blessing from Allah. Allah says:

“To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He creates whatever He wills. He grants daughters to whoever He wills and sons to whoever He wills.”

(Qur'an 42:49)

Aqiqah gives Muslim families an opportunity to welcome the blessing of a newborn with gratitude while following the example and guidance of the Prophet ﷺ.

What Does the Sunnah Say About Aqiqah?

The Sunnah provides much of the guidance Muslims follow regarding Aqiqah, including the number of animals and when the sacrifice should be performed.

Samurah ibn Jundub (ra) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Every boy is in pledge for his Aqiqah, so slaughter for him on the seventh day, and shave his head, and name him.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 3165)

This hadith establishes the seventh day as the preferred time associated with Aqiqah and also mentions naming the child and shaving the child's head.

Other authentic narrations establish the number of animals offered: two sheep for a baby boy and one sheep for a baby girl.

Together, these narrations provide the foundation for the main Aqiqah practices followed by Muslims today.

When Should Aqiqah Be Performed?

The Sunnah indicates that Aqiqah should preferably be performed on the seventh day after a child's birth.

This is based on the Prophetic narration that the sacrifice should be made for the newborn on the seventh day, along with naming the child and shaving the child's head.

But what happens if the seventh day has already passed?

Families should not assume that they have necessarily lost the opportunity to perform Aqiqah. There are differences of scholarly opinion regarding performing Aqiqah after the seventh day and how later timing should be handled.

If your child's seventh day has already passed, it is best to consult a trusted scholar regarding your circumstances and the opinion you follow.

For families planning ahead, arranging the Aqiqah before the seventh day can make it easier to fulfill the sacrifice at the preferred time.

What Animals Can Be Used for Aqiqah?

Sheep and goats are commonly offered for Aqiqah. The animals should be suitable for sacrifice and treated with care in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

The Sunnah specifically establishes the number associated with each child:

• Baby boy: two sheep

• Baby girl: one sheep

A narration from Umm Kurz (ra) states that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ prescribed two sheep for a boy and one for a girl, and that either male or female animals may be used.

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1516)

Because detailed requirements concerning the age and condition of an Aqiqah animal involve Islamic jurisprudence, families should follow reliable scholarly guidance when arranging their sacrifice.

How Is Aqiqah Meat Distributed?

After the Aqiqah animal is sacrificed, its meat can be shared with others, including family, friends, neighbors, and people in need.

Unlike Zakat, Aqiqah does not have the same fixed categories of eligible recipients. Families may eat from the meat themselves, give some as gifts, and share some with those experiencing hardship.

This makes Aqiqah both an act of gratitude for the blessing of a newborn and an opportunity to share that blessing with others.

For families who choose to give their Aqiqah through a charitable organization, the sacrifice can also provide meat to communities where nutritious food may be difficult to access.

Can You Give Aqiqah Through a Charity?

Yes, families can appoint a trusted organization to arrange an Aqiqah sacrifice on their behalf.

This can be especially helpful for families who want to fulfill their Aqiqah while sharing the meat with people in need.

When arranging Aqiqah through a charity, it is important to understand how the organization carries out the sacrifice, where the meat is distributed, and how it ensures the Aqiqah is performed according to the appropriate Islamic requirements.

Through Muslim Hands USA, you can arrange your Aqiqah and turn the celebration of your child's arrival into an opportunity to share food with families in need.

Your child's first days can begin with gratitude, Sunnah, and an act of generosity that allows others to share in the blessing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aqiqah

How many animals are needed for Aqiqah for a baby boy?

According to the Sunnah, two sheep are offered for the Aqiqah of a baby boy. This is based on the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that two sheep should be offered for a boy and one for a girl.

How many animals are needed for Aqiqah for a baby girl?

One sheep is offered for the Aqiqah of a baby girl, according to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Can you perform one Aqiqah for a baby boy?

The established Sunnah is to offer two sheep for a baby boy. However, scholars have discussed whether one animal may be sufficient when a family cannot offer two. If you are unable to offer two animals, consult a trusted scholar for guidance based on your circumstances.

Is Aqiqah obligatory in Islam?

Aqiqah is an important Sunnah associated with the birth of a child. Scholars differ in some aspects of its legal classification, so families should not view Aqiqah in the same way as an obligatory act such as the five daily prayers.

If cost or personal circumstances make Aqiqah difficult, seek guidance from a trusted scholar rather than placing unnecessary financial hardship on your family.

Does Aqiqah have to be performed on the seventh day?

The Sunnah establishes the seventh day after birth as the preferred time for Aqiqah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that the Aqiqah should be offered on the seventh day, when the child's head is also shaved and the child is named.

Scholars have different opinions regarding Aqiqah performed after the seventh day. If that day has already passed, consult a trusted scholar about performing it later.

Is Aqiqah mentioned in the Quran?

Aqiqah is not specifically commanded or explained in the Quran. Its practice and specific guidelines come from the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The Quran does, however, describe both daughters and sons as gifts granted by Allah. (Qur'an 42:49)

Can Aqiqah meat be given to people in need?

Yes. Aqiqah meat can be shared with others, including people experiencing hardship. Families may also eat from the meat themselves and share it with relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Giving Aqiqah through a charity can provide an opportunity to fulfill this Sunnah while sharing the meat with families in need.

Can I donate my Aqiqah through Muslim Hands USA?

Muslim Hands USA offers families a way to arrange their Aqiqah while providing meat to people in need.

By giving your Aqiqah through Muslim Hands USA, the joy of welcoming your child can become an opportunity to share food with another family and begin this new chapter with an act of gratitude and generosity.

Welcome Your Newborn With Gratitude

The birth of a child is a blessing from Allah and the beginning of an entirely new chapter for a family. Aqiqah offers parents a beautiful way to mark that beginning by following the Sunnah and showing gratitude for the gift they have received.

For a baby boy, the Sunnah is to offer two sheep. For a baby girl, one sheep is offered. The preferred time is the seventh day after birth, although families who have missed this time can seek scholarly guidance about performing Aqiqah later.

As you celebrate the arrival of your little one, you can also allow another family to share in your joy.

Give your Aqiqah with Muslim Hands USA and share the blessing of your child's arrival with families in need.

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