Shaykh
Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen
Question:
What is the meaning of 'Aqeeqah of the newborn child', and is it Fardh
(obligatory) or Sunnah (supererogatory)?
Answer: The Aqeeqah of the
newborn child is the sacrificial animal that is slaughtered in seeking nearness
to Allaah & thanking Him for the blessing of the newborn child on the 7th day
after birth. The people of knowledge have differed over whether it is
Sunnah or Fardh. Most of the people of knowledge hold the view that it
is Sunnat Muâkkadah (compulsory). Even Imaam Ahmad said, he borrows &
performs the Aqeeqah sacrifice. Meaning that the person who does not have any
money should borrow the money & perform the Aqeeqah, & Allaah will take
care of his debt for him because he revived a Sunnah.
