Aqiqah invitations: the seventh day, the sacrifice, and what to write
Aqiqah is the ceremony held after the birth of a child in Muslim families. It is usually on the seventh day, and it brings together three things: an animal is sacrificed and the meat shared, the baby's head is shaved, and the name is announced.
Most scholars treat it as a strongly recommended Sunnah rather than an obligation, and practice differs between communities, so treat what follows as the common shape.
When it is held
The seventh day after birth is the usual choice. Where that is not possible, the fourteenth or the twenty first day are the commonly cited alternatives, and many scholars hold that it can be done later, including in adulthood, if it was never performed.
In practice families often move it for the mother's recovery or for relatives travelling in, and there is broad tolerance for that. Do not let the date become a source of stress in a week that has quite enough of it already.
The three parts
- The sacrificeTwo sheep or goats for a boy and one for a girl is the majority Sunni position, though some scholars hold one is sufficient for either. Shia practice and regional custom differ.
- Dividing the meatCustomarily into three: one part for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need. The third part is the one that matters most and it is the one most often skipped.
- Shaving the headThe baby's hair is shaved, and the weight of the hair in silver, or its value, is given in charity. Many families now simply give an equivalent amount rather than weighing it.
- NamingThe name is announced. In many families it has already been chosen and whispered at birth, and Aqiqah is when it is made public.
- The mealWhich is what the guests are actually invited to.
What to put on the invitation
- Keep the function short. A seven day old baby and a recovering mother set the limits.
- Say whether the name is being announced, since that is what guests come for.
- Mention separate seating, if there is any.
- Give a clear meal time, because Aqiqah gatherings are built around the meal.
- Say if you would rather not have gifts. Many families ask for duas only, and it is gracefully received.
Aqiqah invitation wording you can copy
Copy any of these and change the names, dates and places. They are written to be read out loud, so they sound right on a phone screen too.
Bismillah ir Rahman ir Raheem
All praise to Allah, who has blessed us with a [son / daughter].
We request the honour of your presence at the Aqiqah of our child
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Venue]
Your duas are the only gift we ask for.
Bismillah ir Rahman ir Raheem
By the grace of Allah, our [son / daughter] has arrived.
Aqiqah and naming
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Venue]
Come and hear what we are calling [him / her].
Bismillah ir Rahman ir Raheem
Allah ke fazl o karam se hamare ghar nanhi khushi aayi hai.
Rasm e Aqiqah
[Din, Tareekh] · [Waqt]
[Maqam]
Aap ki shirkat aur duaon ki darkhwast hai.
Bismillah ir Rahman ir Raheem
Aqiqah for our little one.
[Day, Date] · [Time]
[Venue]
Short gathering, long lunch. No gifts please, just duas.
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Questions people actually ask
When is Aqiqah performed?
Usually on the seventh day after birth. The fourteenth and twenty first days are the commonly cited alternatives, and many scholars hold it can be done later if it was not performed then.
How many animals are sacrificed for Aqiqah?
Two sheep or goats for a boy and one for a girl is the majority Sunni position, though some scholars hold one is sufficient for either. Shia practice and regional custom differ, so follow your family and your scholar.
How is the Aqiqah meat divided?
Customarily into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need. The third is the part most often skipped and the one that matters most.
Why is the baby's head shaved?
The hair is shaved and its weight in silver, or the equivalent value, is given in charity. Many families now simply give an equivalent amount rather than weighing the hair.
Is Aqiqah obligatory?
Most scholars treat it as a strongly recommended Sunnah rather than an obligation. Families who cannot perform it are not considered to be in the wrong.