The Aqiqah
The
Prophet (sa) said: 'If anyone
has a child born to him, and wants to sacrifice for his child, then let him do it.' (Maliks
Muwatta)
Our Prophet (sa) has told us that: “Allaah will curse the one who sacrifices to anything other than Allaah.” (Muslim)
A ritual Muslims perform in
Islaam on the occasion of new
born baby (male or female) -- done to thank Allah for blessing us with a child.
(Haziq!)
The Aqiqah is not a fard, however it is a highly
recommended Sunnah.
The Aqiqah / sacrifice is not done in the honour
of the child – it is done for
the sake of Allah alone – as with all our worship. Sacrificing for other than Allah is Shirk Al Akbar (the greatest
associating partners with Allah)