Performing Aqeeqah for Oneself and Older Children, and Borrowing for It
Aqeeqah is the sacrifice offered on behalf of a newborn as an expression of gratitude to Allah for the blessing of a child. It is an established Sunnah in Islam and is accompanied by other recommended practices, such as naming the child and removing the newborn’s hair.
When Should Aqeeqah Be Performed?
The Sunnah is to perform the aqeeqah on the seventh day after the child’s birth. If you cannot do it on the seventh day, you may perform it later when circumstances allow.
For a boy, two sheep or goats are traditionally offered, while for a girl, one sheep or goat is offered, based on the well-known hadith regarding aqeeqah.
The important point is that aqeeqah is a Sunnah and should not become a source of unnecessary hardship for the family.
What About Performing Aqeeqah for an Older Child?
If aqeeqah was not performed during childhood, scholars have discussed whether it may be performed later. There is a recognized scholarly view that a person may perform aqeeqah for himself if it was not done by his parents.
However, scholars differ on this issue. Some regard performing aqeeqah for oneself after reaching adulthood as permissible, while others do not consider it established from the Sunnah.
Therefore, someone who wishes to perform aqeeqah for himself or for an older child may follow a reliable scholarly opinion while avoiding blame or dispute over an issue in which there is legitimate difference of opinion.
Can Parents Perform Aqeeqah for Older Children?
If the aqeeqah was missed because the family did not have the financial means at the appropriate time, there is no need to feel guilty. The Sunnah does not require a person to place himself under financial hardship.
If the parents later become financially capable, they may consult a qualified scholar regarding performing the aqeeqah for an older child. The matter has been discussed by scholars, and differences of opinion exist.
Is It Permissible to Borrow Money for Aqeeqah?
Aqeeqah is a Sunnah, not an obligatory act. Therefore, a person who cannot afford it should not burden himself with debt simply to perform it.
If someone has the means to repay a debt and borrows under permissible conditions, the basic ruling on borrowing itself may be permissible. However, taking an interest-bearing loan is not permissible merely for the purpose of performing aqeeqah.
A family should never feel that they must borrow money, struggle financially, or compromise their essential needs because of aqeeqah. Allah does not burden a person beyond what he can bear.
The Spirit Behind Aqeeqah
Aqeeqah is an act of worship and gratitude. Its purpose is not to compete with others, arrange an extravagant celebration, or create financial pressure. What matters is sincerity and following the Sunnah according to one's ability.
If a family cannot afford aqeeqah, they may wait until Allah grants them sufficient means, and if it remains beyond their ability, they are not sinful for leaving a voluntary act.
Conclusion
Aqeeqah is a beautiful Sunnah through which Muslims express gratitude to Allah for the blessing of children. It is recommended to perform it when one has the financial ability, but it should never become a cause of hardship or unnecessary debt.
For older children and performing aqeeqah for oneself, scholars have differed, so Muslims should seek guidance from a trustworthy scholar who understands the relevant evidence and follows a sound scholarly methodology.
May Allah accept our acts of worship, bless our children, and make them a source of righteousness and happiness for their families. Ameen.
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