Guidance

The ‘aqeeqah is a confirmed Sunnah, and there is no sin on the one who does not do it. That is because the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said:

«Whoever has a child born to him and wants to offer the sacrifice, let him do so; for a boy two similar sheep and for a girl one sheep»

Reference: Abu Daawood, 2842; classified as Hasan by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheeh Abu Daawood.

Reference: Transmitted by Ahmad, 20207. al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar said in Fat.hul-Baaree: ‘Its isnaad is strong.’ It is classed as Hasan by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood, 2788.

The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said:
«The people of each household should offer an [‘Eed] sacrifice every year»

Reference: Transmitted by Ibn Maajah, 3123; classed as Hasan by al-Albaanee in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
«Whoever can afford it but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our place of prayer»

Reference: Classified as Hasan-Saheeh by at-Tirmidhee in his Sunan, no.1855

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
«Worship the Most Merciful, feed the poor, and spread peace. You will enter Paradise in peace.»

Reference: Transmitted by al-Bukhaaree, no.5058

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
«Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and set the captives free.»

Reference: al-Fataawa al-Muhimmah – Page 743

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen was asked: What is the correct opinion regarding the sacrifice [of ‘Eed al-Adh.haa]?

The Shaykh responded: That which is apparent to me is the sacrifice is not obligatory. However, it is a highly recommended Sunnah, and is [therefore] disliked for one who is able [to offer it] to abstain from doing so.

Reference: Duroos wa Fataawa al-Hajj – Volume 1, Page 17, No.24

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan was asked: Is it permissible to pay the price of [having] the [udh.hiyah] sacrifice [carried out], or is it better to [personally] undertake the [udh.hiyah] sacrifice and take some of [the meat]?

The Shaykh responded: It is better to sacrifice the udh.hiyah at home in the presence of his family, [locally] in his country – that is better, and if it is slaughtered [abroad on his behalf] here, then there is no harm [in doing so].