Aqeeqah for a teenager
Question
If Aqeeqah was not carried out for a girl or boy, and the child is now 13 years of age, what should be done? What is the ruling?
Answer
The performance of Aqeeqah is neither Fardh nor Waajib, rather it is Mustahab (preferable). Aqeeqah is carried out in gratitude for being blessed with a child hence, it may be carried out during one’s lifetime if it wasn’t carried out on the 7th day, or during infancy. In conclusion, there is no problem with carrying out the Aqeeqah at this stage for the 13 year-old child.
References (Arabic / Urdu sources)
وَكَذَلِكَ إنْ أَرَادَ بَعْضُهُمْ الْعَقِيقَةَ عَنْ وَلَدٍ وُلِدَ لَهُ مِنْ قَبْلُ؛ لِأَنَّ ذَلِكَ جِهَةُ التَّقَرُّبِ إلَى اللَّهِ تَعَالَى – عَزَّ شَأْنُهُ – بِالشُّكْرِ عَلَى مَا أَنْعَمَ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ الْوَلَد
( بدائع الصنائع ج ٥ ص٧٢ )
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Mohammed Desai
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