40/5. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 4220 — Aqiqah on the Seventh Day
When should the 'Aqiqah be performed?
Aqiqah Hadith: What to Do on the Seventh Day
Sunan an-Nasai : 4220
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 4220
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الأَعْلَى، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ زُرَيْعٍ - عَنْ سَعِيدٍ، أَنْبَأَنَا قَتَادَةُ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ سَمُرَةَ بْنِ جُنْدُبٍ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " كُلُّ غُلاَمٍ رَهِينٌ بِعَقِيقَتِهِ تُذْبَحُ عَنْهُ يَوْمَ سَابِعِهِ وَيُحْلَقُ رَأْسُهُ وَيُسَمَّى " .
Samura b. Jundub Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: "Every boy is in pledge for his 'Aqiqah, so slaughter (the animal) for him on the seventh day, and shave his head, and a name"
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4220In-book reference : Book 40, Hadith 9English translation : Vol. 5, Book 40, Hadith 4225
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 4220
This Aqiqah hadith describes three actions connected with the seventh day after a boy's birth. An animal is slaughtered for his Aqiqah, his head is shaved, and he is given a name. The statement that every boy is in pledge for his Aqiqah shows the close link between the child and this act. The narration gives a clear time for these practices: the seventh day. It does not provide details here about the kind or number of animals, how the meat should be distributed, or what name should be chosen. Its main teaching is simple and direct. Families are reminded to mark the child's birth through Aqiqah, shaving the head, and naming him at the stated time.
What we learn from this hadith
- The animal for a boy's Aqiqah is to be slaughtered on the seventh day.
- The child's head is shaved as part of the practices mentioned for that day.
- The child is given a name on the seventh day.
- The narration connects Aqiqah closely with care for a newborn child.
