Many cultures and religions have their own variation on push presents. While the American version is rooted in consumerism, adherents of Islam celebrate the birth of a new child in a different way: with meat!
Referred to as an “aqiqah,” the ritual involves the slaughtering of animals, with the meat divided into three parts: one for the needy, one for relatives and friends, and one utilized by the household. The distributed meat can be cooked or raw.
The aqiqah is often perfomred on the seventh day after the birth of the baby.
The animals that are sacrificied include goats, cows and camels.
Camels must be older than 6 years
Cows must be older than 3 years
Goats must be older than 2 years
Animals must be slaughtered in a “humane manner” and are expected to be in good health. Often two animals will be slaughtered for a boy and one for a girl.
Since many people do not have access to livestock, there are foundations that you can find online that will sacrifice an animal on behalf of a family and distribute the meat to the poor.
Aqiqah is the term for the hairs found on newborn baby’s head.