Question
Allah has blessed me with a newborn son. I know that the Sunnah for the ‘aqiqah is to sacrifice two sheep for a boy. Due to my current financial situation, I cannot afford two, and even one sheep is difficult.
- Is it valid to perform ‘aqiqah with just one sheep in this case, or to delay it until I am more financially able?
- Am I religiously required to hold a large celebration for the ‘aqiqah?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. Number of Animals for ‘Aqiqah
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “For a boy two sheep, and for a girl one sheep. It does not matter whether the sheep are male or female.” (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).
- The scholars agreed that two sheep is the Sunnah for a boy.
The Madhhabs on Offering One Sheep for a Boy
- Hanafi: One sheep is valid and sufficient. Two are not required. (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya).
- Maliki: One sheep suffices, though two are considered better. (al-Mudawwana, Hashiyat al-Dusuqi).
- Shafi‘i: The Sunnah is two, but if one is slaughtered, it still counts, though short of the ideal. (al-Majmu‘ by al-Nawawi).
- Hanbali: Two is the Sunnah, but one is permissible if that is all one can manage. Ibn Qudamah said: “If he slaughters one, it is permissible.” (al-Mughni).
Thus, across the madhhabs, one sheep fulfills the ‘aqiqah, while two is the more complete Sunnah.
- If one cannot afford even a single sheep, then he is not held accountable, because ‘aqiqah is a Sunnah mu’akkadah (strongly recommended Sunnah), not an obligation. It may also be delayed until Allah provides ease.
2. Celebration of the ‘Aqiqah
- There is no requirement in Shari‘ah to hold a large gathering or banquet.
- The Sunnah is to slaughter the animal, name the child, and distribute the meat — either cooked as a meal or raw as charity.
- Anything beyond this (like a big party) is cultural and optional, not a religious obligation.
And Allah knows best.