What is Aqiqah?

Aqiqah, in Islamic terminology, is defined as sacrifice of an animal on the occasion of a child’s birth.

The performance of Aqiqah is highly encouraged. It is to be performed by the parents or the guardians of the child. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions used to perform Aqiqah when they were bestowed with a new-born.

The following is a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) where he advised Aqiqah of a goat/sheep.

“Two sheep which resemble each other are to be sacrificed for a boy and one for a girl.”
- Prophet Muhammad SAW (Sunan Abu Dawood)

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There are many benefits in the performance of Aqiqah. One is the announcing the birth of the baby. Being bestowed a child is a great blessing from the Creator. Another purpose is inviting family members, neighbour’s, and friends to celebrate the blessed occasion. The poor should be included in the celebration by offering them food and meat served on this occasion.

What is Sadaqah?

Give Sadaqah to ward off illness & evil

Sadaqah is a form of voluntary charity which is highly emphasised in Islam as it carries great reward and brings numerous benefits.

Sadaqah is needed more than ever as it not only helps those in need but can also be given as a way of asking Allah to heal you when you are ill. If someone is ill, you can be a part of their healing and pay Sadaqah on their behalf. This generous act of giving combined with Du’a is mentioned in the Qur’an as a way of healing the sick.

“Charity (Sadaqah) extinguishes sin, just as water extinguishes fire.”
- Prophet Muhammad SAW (Tirmidhi)

Sadaqah is not judged by how big or small it is, but on how it helps people and how regularly it is done. It is not an obligation but instead a practice performed to cleanse your soul, ward off calamites and put your heart and mind at ease.

Give Sadaqah regularly in your name or the name of a loved ones and reap all it’s rewards!

At Purpose of Life you can donate any amount and we also give the option to perform a goat sadaqah in the Rohingya Camps for just £100.