Yesterday, on 20th March, i have atttended an Aqiqah Kenduri organised by my cousin and her family. the Aqiqah is for her second child, a daugher named Tuan Aqilla Dania. Aw yeah, she is such lovely little, very small, cute and cute ;). i believed she will grown up to be a pretty girl soon.
Here are some information pertaining to the ceremony, what actually aqiqah is all about, what that practiced supposed to be meant and why Muslims, particularly Malaysians who are used to practice this.
Aqiqah literally means cut and it is often used for the hair of a new born baby that is cut or shaved. Aqiqah is defined as the animal that is slaughtered on the occasion when the hair of a new born is shaved. The animal though is called aqiqah and it is also encouraged for the animal to be called nasikah or zhabihah.
The Laws behind the practice.
The performance of aqiqah is sunnah muakkkadah ( highly encouraged ). It is to be performed by the parents or the guardians of the child.
In this context, Prophet Muhammad and his companions used to perform aqiqah when they were bestowed with a new born.
It was narrated in Sahih Bukhari, that the Prophet ( Peace be upon him ) said :
" With a ghulam ( young boy ) his aqiqah, then pour on his behalf blood and remove from him all that is offensive."
When actually the TIME OF AQIQAH?
The time to perform aqiqah begins with the birth of the baby. It continues until the baby reaches the age of puberty or independence. Once the person is independent, the responsibility of performing aqiqah rest on his ownself and he can perform it for his ownself if this act has not been done previously.
The best time to perform aqiqah is on the seventh day after the birth of the baby.
This was reported in Abu Daud where the Prophet ( Peace be upon him ) said :
" A young boy is cleansed with his aqiqah. An animal is slaughtered for him on the seventh day, his name is given and his head shaved."
What is actually THE PURPOSE OF AQIQAH?
1. Announcing the blessing of Allah with the birth of a baby.
Being bestowed a baby is a great blessing from God. It is only with God's grace that a couple could enjoy the joy of receiving a baby. Thus to show gratitude and joy to God for this gift,blessing and great occasion, an animal is slaughtered and the meat shared amongst friends and relatives.
2. Making known the baby's genealogy and his family.
Aqiqah is also an occasion to pronounce the birth that has taken place in a family. This is to inform friends and relatives about the new member in the family and to avoid misunderstanding or gossips that could arise from that birth. It is also to confirm the baby's rights to the family's wealth and name.
3. Promoting acts of benevolent and promoting kinship and friendship by giving meat to family, friends and neighbours.
Gathering families and friends on this joyous occasion would promote better relation, understandings and love. Even the poor is not left out from this festivities as they are also entitled to the food and meat served on this occasion.
What TYPES OF ANIMALS TO BE SLAUGHTERED?
There are practices by Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ) where he slaughtered a goat for a boy, and a goat for a girl. It was narrated in Sunan Tirmizhi where the Prophet made aqiqah for Al Hassan ( his grandson ) by slaughtering a goat.
The most recommended for the parent or the guardian of the child is to slaughter 2 goats on the occasion of a boy and 1 goat for the birth of a girl.
Heres are some photos during Dania's Aqiqah.
Marhaban ya marhaban
Dania's mother with her first child, Aqeef (2 year old ++)
a cup of zam zam water and dates
little princess
giving her the taste of dates while selawat on Prophet Muhammad SAW
spooniing her with zam zam
entry tamat..
.jpeg)
