Aqiqah Sacrifice and Ceremony Guide at Eyup Sultan

What is Aqiqah Sacrifice?

Aqiqah sacrifice is a sacrifice made for a newborn baby. According to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), it is mustahab to sacrifice an aqiqah on the seventh day after the baby's birth. Two sheep or rams are sacrificed for a boy, and one for a girl. Aqiqah is an expression of gratitude to Allah and a tangible sign of the prayer for the baby to have a blessed start in life.

Aqiqah Organization at Eyüp Sultan

There are authorized venues providing sacrifice slaughtering services around Eyüp Sultan. Sacrifices are slaughtered under hygienic conditions at municipality-inspected slaughterhouses. The meat of the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives, and one for the poor. The mosque administration can provide guidance on this matter.

Aqiqah Ceremony and Prayer

On the aqiqah day, the baby's hair is shaved and its weight in gold or silver is given as charity, as per the Sunnah. Naming the baby is also generally done on this day. A request can be made to the mosque imam or a scholar to recite the aqiqah prayer. Praying at Eyüp Sultan Tomb for the baby to have a blessed life is a common preference of families.

Important Considerations

• The sacrificial animal must be healthy and without defects
• The slaughtering must be performed by authorized persons
• Aqiqah meat should be divided without breaking the bones (as per Sunnah)
• If the seventh day is not possible, it can also be done on the 14th or 21st day
• It is recommended to set aside the sacrifice money in advance and make an appointment with the slaughterhouse