The importance of Aqiqah
Aqiqah: Embracing the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre
At Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre, we understand the importance of following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and embracing the rituals prescribed in Islam. One such ritual is Aqiqah, which is performed to celebrate the birth of a child. Through Aqiqah, we fulfill a religious obligation and extend our support to those in need.
What is Aqiqah?
Aqiqah is a significant event in the life of a newborn child. It involves the sacrifice of livestock, specifically goats or sheep, to express gratitude and joy for the new addition to the family. This ritual usually takes place on the seventh day after the baby’s birth, although it can be performed at a later time without any issue.
The sacrifice is then divided among family members, with a portion allocated to less fortunate ones. This of sharing serves as a reminder of our duty to help the poor and needy, embodying the principles of compassion and generosity that are central to our faith.
The Rewards of Aqiqah
By performing Aqiqah, we fulfill a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and earn numerous rewards from Allah (SWT). Through our Aqiqah project, we at Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre aim to make this sacred ritual accessible and meaningful for everyone.
Your Aqiqah donation can provide essential support to those who are most in need. In collaboration with Islamic Relief, we ensure that your contribution reaches vulnerable communities and helps provide nutritious meals to families who are struggling with poverty. Participating in this beloved Sunnah can impact lives and bring joy to those in difficult circumstances.
How is Aqiqah Performed?
At Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre, we understand the importance of performing Aqiqah with utmost care and adherence to Sharia guidelines. The sacrifice of animals must be carried out by an adult male, ensuring that the animals are healthy and meet the requirements for minimal age for slaughter.
For a baby boy, two animals are sacrificed, while for a baby girl, one animal is sacrificed. The meat from the sacrifice is then distributed amongst family members, the poor, and the needy. It is customary to arrange a gathering with family and friends to celebrate the occasion and share the blessed meat, forging stronger bonds within the community.
Making Your Aqiqah Special with Islamic Relief
Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre has joined hands with Islamic Relief to make your Aqiqah donation even more impactful. Through their Aqiqah Project, your contribution can directly benefit those who cannot afford to purchase meat. The project involves the distribution of fresh meat packets, each containing an average of 5kgs of meat, to vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and refugees.
By donating to this Aqiqah Project, you can ensure that families in need receive nutritious meals and experience the joy of participating in this blessed Sunnah. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate, spreading compassion, and fostering a sense of unity and care within the ummah.

How is Aqiqah Performed?
At Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre, we understand the importance of performing Aqiqah with utmost care and adherence to Sharia guidelines. The sacrifice of animals must be carried out by an adult male, ensuring that the animals are healthy and meet the requirements for minimal age for slaughter.
For a baby boy, two animals are sacrificed, while for a baby girl, one animal is sacrificed. The meat from the sacrifice is then distributed amongst family members, the poor, and the needy. It is customary to arrange a gathering with family and friends to celebrate the occasion and share the blessed meat, forging stronger bonds within the community.
Making Your Aqiqah Special with Islamic Relief
Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre has joined hands with Islamic Relief to make your Aqiqah donation even more impactful. Through their Aqiqah Project, your contribution can directly benefit those who cannot afford to purchase meat. The project involves the distribution of fresh meat packets, each containing an average of 5kgs of meat, to vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and refugees.
By donating to this Aqiqah Project, you can ensure that families in need receive nutritious meals and experience the joy of participating in this blessed Sunnah. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate, spreading compassion, and fostering a sense of unity and care within the ummah.

Questions about Aqiqah
Aqiqah FAQ
To help answer any queries you may have about Aqiqah, here are some frequently asked questions:
- Is Aqiqah mandatory? Aqiqah is not obligatory but highly recommended in Islam, as it is a beautiful way to express gratitude and celebrate the birth of a child.
- Can you conduct the Aqiqah on the seventh day after a child is born or on a specific day? While it is customary to perform Aqiqah on the seventh day after birth, you can also conduct it at a later time without any issue.
- Why isn’t the name of the child spoken at the time of slaughter? The name of the child is not spoken during the slaughter as it is considered a spiritual and personal act between the individual performing the Aqiqah and Allah (SWT).
- How much does Aqiqah cost? At Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre, we offer Aqiqah for boys at £140, which involves the sacrifice of two sheep/goats, and Aqiqah for girls at £70, which involves the sacrifice of one sheep/goat.
- Do you need the child’s date of birth to perform the Aqiqah? While having the child’s date of birth is helpful, it is not required to perform Aqiqah.
Trust in Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre for Your Aqiqah Donation
At Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre, we uphold the highest professionalism, integrity, and authenticity standards. Our Aqah service, in collaboration with Islamic Relief, ensures that your donation reaches those who need it the most. Through our Aqiqah Project, we aim to make the Sunnah of Aqiqah accessible, meaningful, and impactful for our community.
Join us in embracing the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by participating in Aqiqah with Mottingham & Eltham Islamic Centre. Your contribution can bring joy, nourishment, and support to those in need, embodying the true spirit of Islamic giving. Together, let us make a positive difference in the lives of others and fulfill our religious obligations with compassion and love.

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