Akika in Islam: Meaning, Rules & How It's Performed
Akika, akikah, aqiqah, and hakika are all names for the same Islamic newborn sacrifice — a Sunnah Muakkadah based on authentic Hadith from Bukhari and Muslim.
💬 Book Akika in SingaporeWhat is Akika in Islam?
Akika (Arabic: عَقِيقَة, also written akikah, aqiqah, or hakika) is the Islamic act of sacrificing a goat or sheep for a newborn baby. It is classified as Sunnah Muakkadah — a strongly recommended act — by the majority of Islamic scholars.
The practice is based on authentic Hadith: the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged performing akika on the 7th day after birth, shaving the child's head, and giving charity equal to the weight of the hair in silver.
Two animals are prescribed for a baby boy. One animal is sufficient for a baby girl.
Akika, Akikah, Aqiqah, Hakika — All the Same?
Yes. These are all transliterations of the same Arabic word (عَقِيقَة) used across different countries and languages. The practice, its rules, and its Hadith evidence are identical.
Hadith Evidence for Akika
"Every child is mortgaged against its akika, which is slaughtered on the 7th day, the child is shaved and given a name."
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 2838), Tirmidhi (no. 1522), Ibn Majah — Hasan/Sahih"For a boy, two equivalent goats/sheep, and for a girl, one goat/sheep."
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 2835) and Tirmidhi (no. 1513)"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed akika for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain — one goat each."
— Narrated by Abu Dawud (no. 2841)Akika Rules: Boy vs Girl
👦 Baby Boy
2Two equivalent goats or sheep — ideally of similar size and quality. Some scholars allow one if two cannot be afforded.
From $310 (2 animals)
👧 Baby Girl
1One goat or sheep is fully prescribed by the Sunnah. No reduction is required — a single animal fulfills it completely.
From $155 (1 animal)
Animal requirements: The goat or sheep must be free from major defects, meet the minimum age (at least 1 year for sheep, 2 years for goats), and be slaughtered by a Muslim saying Bismillah. The same standards as Qurban animals apply.
When to Perform Akika
Scholars agree on the preferred timing, with flexibility if circumstances prevent it:
- 7th day after birth — The primary Sunnah, recommended by the Prophet ﷺ. Also the day for shaving the head and naming.
- 14th or 21st day — If the 7th day is missed, these are the next preferred times (multiples of 7).
- Any time before puberty — Still valid and fulfills the Sunnah if performed before the child reaches adulthood.
- After puberty (for oneself) — The Shafi'i and some Hanbali scholars permit performing akika for oneself in adulthood if parents did not do it. Encouraged as a form of gratitude.
How to Perform Akika — Step by Step
- Select a valid animal — A healthy goat or sheep meeting Islamic criteria (age, no major defects).
- State the intention (Niyyah) — Declare the akika is performed for the newborn, mentioning the child's name and the parents' names.
- Recite Bismillah and du'a — At the time of slaughter, say "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar" and recite du'a for the child.
- Slaughter by a Muslim — Must be performed by a Muslim (not Kitabi for akika, according to majority opinion).
- Distribute the meat — Raw or cooked, the meat should be distributed to family, neighbours, and the poor. Charity to orphans and needy families fulfils this fully.
- Shave the child's head — Done on the same day (7th), ideally after the slaughter. Weigh the hair and donate equivalent silver value (or cash) as charity.
- Name the child — The 7th day is also the Sunnah day for giving the child their Islamic name.
Perform Akika in Singapore from $155
SG Aqiqah handles the complete akika (aqiqah) process for Singapore Muslim families — animal selection, Shariah-compliant slaughter, meat distribution to orphans and needy families in Indonesia, photo/video proof, and a personalised e-certificate.
| Package | Processing | Girl (1 animal) | Boy (2 animals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package D | Raw Meat to Charity | $155 | $310 |
| Package C | Fresh Meat Processing | $190 | $380 |
| Package B | Cooked Meal (Gulai & Sate) | $290 | $580 |
| Package A | Cooked Feast + Orphan Meal | $460 | $920 |
Ready to Perform Akika for Your Child?
Book in under 3 minutes via WhatsApp. Fully managed, photo proof included, e-certificate issued.
💬 Book Akika via WhatsApp View Full Price ListFrequently Asked Questions — Akika in Islam
What is the meaning of akika in Islam?
Akika (عَقِيقَة) literally means "the hair of a newborn". The word refers both to the hair shaved on the 7th day and the animal sacrifice performed on that occasion. It is a Sunnah Muakkadah — a strongly recommended act of worship — based on authentic Hadith from Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi.
Is akika the same as aqiqah and hakika?
Yes, completely. Akika, akikah, aqiqah, and hakika are all different spellings of the same Arabic word (عَقِيقَة). Aqiqah is the standard spelling in Singapore and Malaysia; akika and akikah are common in South Asia; hakika is used in some Urdu-speaking communities. The rules and practice are identical regardless of the spelling.
How many animals for akika for a boy in Islam?
Two equivalent goats or sheep are prescribed for a baby boy, based on the Hadith narrated by Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi. If a family cannot afford two, some scholars permit performing akika with one animal, with the intention of completing the second when able.
How many animals for akika for a girl in Islam?
One goat or sheep is fully sufficient for a baby girl. This is explicitly stated in the Hadith: "For a boy, two equivalent goats/sheep, and for a girl, one goat/sheep." One animal fulfils the Sunnah completely — no reduction or compromise is involved.
What is the du'a (dua) for akika / hakika?
At the time of slaughter, the person performing akika says: "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar — Allahumma taqabbal minni kama taqabbalta min nabiyyika Muhammadin sallallahu alayhi wasallam" (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest — O Allah, accept from me as You accepted from Your Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). This is combined with mentioning the child's name and making du'a for the child's righteousness, health, and long life.
Can akika be performed overseas (outside Singapore)?
Yes. Performing akika overseas using the concept of Wakalah (delegating a trustworthy party to slaughter on your behalf) is fully valid under Islamic Shariah. SG Aqiqah performs akika in certified halal facilities in Indonesia, with full photo documentation and an official e-certificate sent to Singapore parents via WhatsApp.