here is that complete benefit will not be attained from him until the ‘Aqeeqah is performed. Some Hadees scholars have stated that the safety, growth and good characteristics of the child are linked to the ‘Aqeeqah. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 3, pp. 354)

   *The animal that is slaughtered to express gratitude upon the birth of a child is known as ‘Aqeeqah. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 3, pp. 355)

   *Two male goats should be slaughtered in the ‘Aqeeqah of a male child, and one female goat should be slaughtered in the ‘Aqeeqah of a female child i.e. it is better to sacrifice a male animal for the male child, and a female animal for the female child. However, there is no harm if female goats are sacrificed in the ‘Aqeeqah of a male child or if a male goat is sacrificed in the ‘Aqeeqah of a female child. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 3, pp. 357)

   *A share of ‘Aqeeqah may be included in the Qurbani of a camel etc.

   *Performing the ‘Aqeeqah is neither Fard nor Wajib, rather, it is Sunnat-e-Mustahabbah (if one has the ability then they should definitely perform it, but there is no sin for not doing it, nevertheless, they will be deprived of its reward). It is strictly prohibited for a poor individual to borrow money with interest in order to perform ‘Aqeeqah. (Islami Zindagi, pp. 27)

   *If the child passed away before the seventh day, not performing the ‘Aqeeqah will not have any effect on his intercession etc., as he passed away before the time of ‘Aqeeqah arrived. However, if the child reached the time of ‘Aqeeqah i.e. became seven days old, and despite having the capability, they did not perform his ‘Aqeeqah without a valid reason, then it is narrated that he will not be able to intercede for his parents. (Fatawa-e-Razawiyyah, vol. 20, pp. 596)