<P> ` Aqīqah (Arabic: عقيقة ‎), aqeeqa, or aqeeqah is the Islamic tradition of the sacrifice of an animal on the occasion of a child's birth . It is widely performed by Muslims and it is considered sunnah to slaughter a sheep for the baby and distribute the meat to the poor . Muslims also prepare a feast for family and friends in celebration for being blessed with a child . Aqiqah is a sunnat al mu'akkadah (confirmed sunnah). If the guardian of the child is capable of slaughtering a sheep for the child, they should do it . Muhammad said: "A baby is being pledged for his aqiqah, sacrifice is made for him on the seventh day, his head is shaved, and a name is given him". If one cannot slaughter on the seventh day, one may slaughter on the fourteenth day or on the twenty - first day. If one is not capable of doing so, then one may slaughter any time before the puberty of the child . The aqiqah is sunnah and mustahabb; it is not obligatory at all, so there is no sin on the one who does not do it, or the one who delays it and does not do it at the time that is mustahabb, although he misses out on the virtue and reward of that . (He may delay it) until he is able to do it, or he may omit it It is a tradition to do so . </P> <P> Aqiqah is a type of sadaqah and it is also sunnah . </P>

What is the difference between aqiqah and baptism