ILM AL-HÂL

224 you forbade the human sacrifice, so I sacrifice this animal as a substitute for my body, so please accept it.” While saying "Bismillâhi Allâhu Akbar”, the sacrificial animal is slaughtered. It is preferable for a person to sacrifice their animal by themselves. But, if they are not able, they must delegate a Muslim to do the sacrifice. It is better to be present at the time of sacrifice. The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided into three portions. One portion may be kept for family consumption, one may be kept to feed the friends and relatives and one portion should be given to the poor as a Sadaqah. AQÎQAH The sacrifice offered for a newborn baby as a gratitude to Allâh (Ta`ala) is called Aqîqah. It is Mustahab (and Sunnah according to Al Aimmah Al-Thalathah). It can be performed any time after the birth of the child but more favourable on the seventh day. After the birth on the seventh day, the child’s hair is trimmed. Sadaqah is given in gold or silver according to the weight of child`s hair and then a sacrifice is offered. One animal can be slaughtered for a boy or a girl. Some scholars say two animals are offered for a boy. Any animal that is suitable for Udhiyyah can also be used as Aqîqah. The bones of the Aqîqah can be separated from the joints but kept unbroken, to represent good wishes for the child’s health and wellbeing. However, the bones can