Aqiqah Requirement Calculator

By Iqra Expert (Mufti Salim Qasmi)

Select Baby’s Gender
For twins or triplets, please enter the total count.
Helps calculate the 7th, 14th, and 21st Sunnah days.
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Aqiqah Calculator: Complete Guide for New Parents

Aqiqah Calculator – Sunnah Based Tool

This Aqiqah Calculator helps Muslim parents calculate the correct Sunnah requirements for a newborn baby according to authentic Islamic teachings.



Aqiqah Calculator: Complete Guide for New Parents

Congratulations on your precious blessing from Allah!

The birth of a child is one of life’s greatest joys. As new parents, you want to follow the beautiful teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and perform the Aqiqah with love and care.

But here’s where many parents feel stuck:

  • How many animals do I need for a boy versus a girl?
  • What if the 7th day has already passed?
  • Do twins need separate sacrifices?
  • Which animal should I choose?

These questions are completely normal. Aqiqah is a beautiful Sunnah, but many parents are unsure how to perform it correctly.

That’s exactly why we created the Aqiqah Requirement Calculator — a simple tool that removes all confusion and gives you accurate, Sunnah-based guidance in seconds.


What Is Aqiqah in Islam?

Aqiqah is a special act of gratitude performed when a baby is born. It involves sacrificing an animal (usually a goat or sheep) and distributing the meat among family, friends, and those in need.

Why Do We Perform Aqiqah?

  • To thank Allah for the gift of a child
  • To follow the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
  • To protect the child through a blessed Sunnah act
  • To share joy with the community

When Should Aqiqah Be Performed?

The best time is on the 7th day after birth. However, if you miss this day, you can still perform it on the 14th day, 21st day, or even later in life.

Who Should Perform Aqiqah?

Typically, the father of the child arranges and pays for the Aqiqah. If the father is unable, other family members like grandparents can step in.

💡 Important Note: Aqiqah is a Sunnah (recommended practice), not compulsory like Zakat or Hajj. However, it carries immense blessings and should not be neglected without reason.


Aqiqah Requirements According to Sunnah

The number of animals required depends on the gender of your baby.

Aqiqah Requirements According to Sunnah

For a Baby Boy

2 goats or sheep

This is based on the authentic hadith where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“For a boy, two sheep should be sacrificed, and for a girl, one sheep.”
— Sunan Abu Dawud

For a Baby Girl

1 goat or sheep

The requirement is simpler for a girl, but the act of gratitude and celebration remains equally important.

For Twins and Multiple Births

If Allah has blessed you with twins or more, each child requires their own separate Aqiqah:

Number of ChildrenGender CombinationTotal Animals Required
2 babiesBoth boys4 animals
2 babiesBoth girls2 animals
2 babies1 boy + 1 girl3 animals
3 babiesAll boys6 animals
3 babiesAll girls3 animals

Each child is honored individually — this is part of the beauty and fairness of Islamic teachings.


Sunnah Days for Aqiqah (Explained Simply)

Many parents worry they’ve “missed the deadline” for Aqiqah. Here’s the truth:

Primary Day: 7th Day After Birth ⭐

This is the most recommended day according to Sunnah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed Aqiqah for his grandsons on the 7th day.

Secondary Day: 14th Day After Birth

If the 7th day wasn’t possible (due to health, finances, or other reasons), the 14th day is also acceptable.

Tertiary Day: 21st Day After Birth

The third option is the 21st day.

What If I Miss All Three Days?

Don’t worry! Aqiqah can still be performed later — even after weeks, months, or years. The Sunnah encourages performing it as soon as you’re able.

📌 Key Takeaway: Delay does not invalidate Aqiqah. What matters is your intention to fulfill this blessed act.


Other Sunnah Acts Performed with Aqiqah

Aqiqah is often combined with other beautiful traditions:

1. Shaving the Baby’s Hair

On the 7th day, it’s recommended to gently shave the baby’s hair.

2. Naming the Child

If you haven’t already, the 7th day is an ideal time to announce and finalize the baby’s name.

3. Giving Charity Equal to Hair Weight in Silver

After shaving, weigh the hair and give an equivalent weight of silver (or its cash value) to charity.

4. Distributing the Meat

The meat from the Aqiqah should be divided:

  • ⅓ for your family
  • ⅓ for relatives and friends
  • ⅓ for the poor and needy

This spreads joy and ensures everyone shares in the blessing.


Common Mistakes Parents Make

Let’s clear up some confusion:

❌ Mistake 1: Thinking Aqiqah Is Compulsory

Aqiqah is a highly recommended Sunnah, not an obligation. However, skipping it without reason means missing out on great blessings.

❌ Mistake 2: Confusion Between Boy and Girl Requirements

Remember:

  • 2 animals for a boy
  • 1 animal for a girl

This is not about value — it’s simply the guidance from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

❌ Mistake 3: Skipping Aqiqah Due to Late Timing

Many parents think, “It’s been months, so it’s too late.” This is incorrect! You can perform Aqiqah at any age.

❌ Mistake 4: Mixing Aqiqah with Qurbani (Udhiyah) Rules

Aqiqah and Qurbani are different acts of worship. Aqiqah is for a newborn. Qurbani is performed during Eid al-Adha. They have different requirements and timings.


Why Use an Aqiqah Calculator?

Life with a newborn is busy. Between sleepless nights, diaper changes, and doctor visits, parents barely have time to research religious rulings.

That’s where our calculator helps:

Sunnah-based calculations — no guesswork
Instant results — saves hours of research
Avoids mistakes — especially for twins or multiple births
Perfect for:

  • First-time parents
  • New Muslims (reverts)
  • Busy families
  • Anyone seeking clarity

🎯 Our goal: Make it easy for every parent to follow the blessed Sunnah of Aqiqah without stress or confusion.


How Our Aqiqah Calculator Works

Using the calculator is incredibly simple:

Step 1: Select Baby’s Gender

Choose between Boy or Girl.

Step 2: Enter Number of Babies

Indicate if you have 1 baby, twins, triplets, etc.

Step 3: Choose Animal Type (Optional)

Select goat, sheep, or leave it as default.

Step 4: Enter Date of Birth (Optional)

This helps calculate the recommended Sunnah days (7th, 14th, 21st).

Step 5: Get Your Results Instantly

The calculator shows:

  • Total animals required
  • Primary Sunnah date (7th day)
  • Secondary and tertiary dates

Bonus Features:

  • Mobile-friendly design
  • No signup required
  • Completely free to use
  • Instant results

Example Calculations

Let’s walk through some real-life scenarios:

Example 1: One Baby Boy

Input: 1 boy
Output: 2 goats/sheep
7th Day: January 7, 2025 (if born on January 1)

Example 2: One Baby Girl

Input: 1 girl
Output: 1 goat/sheep
7th Day: January 7, 2025

Example 3: Twin Boys

Input: 2 boys
Output: 4 goats/sheep
Explanation: 2 animals per boy × 2 boys = 4 animals

Example 4: One Boy + One Girl

Input: 1 boy, 1 girl
Output: 3 goats/sheep
Explanation: 2 for the boy + 1 for the girl = 3 animals

Example 5: Triplet Girls

Input: 3 girls
Output: 3 goats/sheep
Explanation: 1 animal per girl × 3 girls = 3 animals


Aqiqah Hadith References

Our calculator is based on authentic Islamic sources:

Hadith 1: Number of Animals

“With a boy, there should be an Aqiqah. Slaughter for him and remove the harm from him.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari

Hadith 2: Boy vs. Girl

“For a boy, two sheep, and for a girl, one sheep.”
— Sunan Abu Dawud, authenticated by scholars

Hadith 3: Timing

“A boy is in pledge for his Aqiqah; sacrifice is made for him on the seventh day, his head is shaved, and he is given a name.”
— Sunan Abu Dawud

These narrations guide our calculations and recommendations.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Aqiqah compulsory in Islam?

No, Aqiqah is Sunnah Muakkadah (highly recommended), not obligatory. However, it’s strongly encouraged and brings many blessings.

Can Aqiqah be done after years?

Yes! If you couldn’t perform it when your child was born, you can do it later — even when the child is an adult. The important thing is to fulfill this Sunnah.

Can one animal be shared between multiple people?

No. Each Aqiqah requires dedicated animals for that specific child. Unlike Qurbani, Aqiqah animals cannot be shared in portions.

Is cash allowed instead of sacrifice?

No. The Sunnah specifically involves sacrificing an animal and distributing the meat. Giving cash does not fulfill the Aqiqah.

Who should bear the cost of Aqiqah?

Traditionally, the father covers the cost. If he’s unable, grandparents or other family members can help.

What type of animal should I sacrifice?

The best options are:

  • Goat
  • Sheep
  • Lamb

The animal should be healthy, of proper age, and free from major defects.

Do I need to shave my baby’s hair?

Shaving the hair on the 7th day is part of the Sunnah, but it’s separate from the actual Aqiqah sacrifice. Both are recommended but independent acts.


Conclusion: Honor This Beautiful Sunnah

The birth of your child is a moment of pure joy — a trust from Allah that comes with love, responsibility, and endless blessings.

Performing Aqiqah is your way of:

  • Saying thank you to Allah
  • Following the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
  • Protecting your child through a blessed tradition
  • Sharing happiness with your community

Don’t let confusion or busy schedules delay this beautiful act.

🎯 Ready to Get Started?

Use our free Aqiqah Requirement Calculator and get your personalized results in seconds.

✨ Calculate Aqiqah requirements instantly
✨ Follow the Sunnah with confidence
✨ No signup, no hassle, completely free


May Allah accept your Aqiqah and bless your child with health, happiness, and righteousness. Ameen! 🤲


Share this guide with other new parents and help them fulfill this blessed Sunnah with ease and understanding.