Aqeeqah ki dua is recited at the time of slaughtering the animal on behalf of a newborn typically on the 7th day after birth. The core dua is narrated in Abu Dawood and includes the words “Bismillahi, Allahumma laka wa ilayka, hadhihi aqiqatu fulanin.” Full Arabic text, transliteration, meaning, and step-by-step tarika are all covered below.
Aqeeqah Ki Dua Why It Matters More Than Most Parents Realize
When a new child enters the world, Islam does not leave parents guessing about what to do next. The Sunnah of Aqeeqah the sacrificial act performed on behalf of a newborn is one of the most beautiful expressions of gratitude to Allah. But many families perform the sacrifice without knowing the correct aqeeqah ki dua, reciting whatever comes to mind or skipping the supplication entirely.
That is a gap worth closing. The dua recited during aqeeqah is not just a ritual phrase it is an act of ibadah that carries the weight of intention, gratitude, and the baby’s spiritual protection. Whether your newborn is a boy or a girl, reciting the verified dua at the time of slaughter completes the act of aqeeqah in the way the Prophet ﷺ and his companions practiced it.
This article covers every authentic dua related to aqeeqah including the slaughter dua, the dua for naming, the dua when the hair is shaved, and the azaan dua along with their full Arabic text, transliterations, Urdu and English meanings, and the correct tarika (method).
What Is Aqeeqah and When Is It Performed?
Aqeeqah (عقيقه) is a confirmed Sunnah in Islam. It involves sacrificing:
- 2 goats/sheep for a baby boy
- 1 goat/sheep for a baby girl
It is performed on the 7th day after birth. If missed, it can be done on the 14th or 21st day. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every child is held in pledge for his aqeeqah which is sacrificed for him on his seventh day, and he is named on it and his head is shaved.” (Sunan Abu Dawood: 2838, graded Sahih)
The Main Aqeeqah Ki Dua: Recited at the Time of Slaughter
This is the primary verified dua recited when slaughtering the animal for aqeeqah. It is narrated in Sunan Abu Dawood and authenticated by scholars.
Arabic Text:
بِسْمِ اللهِ، اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ وَإِلَيْكَ، هٰذِهِ عَقِيقَةُ فُلَانٍ
(Replace “فُلَان” with the child’s name)
Transliteration:
Bismillahi, Allahumma laka wa ilayka, hadhihi aqiqatu [child’s name]
Meaning:
“In the name of Allah. O Allah, this is for You and to You this is the aqeeqah of [child’s name].”
Important note: Some narrations add “dam-u-ha bi-dami-hi, wa lahmuhaa bi-lahmihi, wa azmuha bi-azmihi, wa jilduha bi-jildihi, wa sha’ruha bi-sha’rihi” but scholars such as Sheikh Ibn Baz and the Permanent Committee of Saudi Arabia (Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Da’imah) have noted this longer addition is weak in chain and should not be relied upon. The concise version above is the verified and preferred form.
Aqeeqah Ki Dua for Boy: Specific Wording
When performing aqeeqah for a baby boy, two animals are sacrificed. The dua remains the same in structure, but the name of the boy is inserted:
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللهِ، اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ وَإِلَيْكَ، هٰذِهِ عَقِيقَةُ [اسمِ لڑکے]
Transliteration:
Bismillahi, Allahumma laka wa ilayka, hadhihi aqiqatu [boy’s name]
Aqeeqah Ki Dua for Boy in English Meaning:
“In the name of Allah. O Allah, this sacrifice belongs to You and is directed toward You this is the aqeeqah of [boy’s name].”
Each of the two animals is slaughtered separately, and the dua is recited for each one individually with the boy’s name.
Aqeeqah Ki Dua for Girl: With Urdu and Hindi Meaning
For a baby girl, one animal is sacrificed. The same dua applies:
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللهِ، اَللّٰهُمَّ لَكَ وَإِلَيْكَ، هٰذِهِ عَقِيقَةُ [اسمِ لڑکی]
Transliteration:
Bismillahi, Allahumma laka wa ilayka, hadhihi aqiqatu [girl’s name]
Aqeeqah Ki Dua for Girl in Urdu:
“اللہ کے نام سے۔ اے اللہ، یہ تیرے لیے اور تیری طرف ہے یہ [بچی کا نام] کی عقیقہ ہے۔”
Aqeeqah Ki Dua for Girl in Hindi:
“अल्लाह के नाम से। ऐ अल्लाह, यह तेरे लिए और तेरी ओर है यह [बच्ची का नाम] की अकीका है।”
Aqeeqah Ki Dua Aur Tarika: Step-by-Step Method
Understanding aqeeqah ki dua aur tarika together ensures the act is performed in a complete and Sunnah-compliant manner.
Step-by-Step Tarika:
1. Choose the correct day Perform aqeeqah on the 7th day after birth (day of birth counted as Day 1).
2. Select a healthy animal The animal must meet the same conditions as Qurbani free from major defects, of proper age.
3. Make the Niyyah (Intention) Internally intend that this sacrifice is the aqeeqah of your child, seeking Allah’s pleasure.
4. Face Qibla The slaughterer and the animal should face the Qiblah direction.
5. Recite Bismillah and the aqeeqah dua Recite the full dua mentioned above with the child’s name inserted.
6. Slaughter swiftly Use a sharp knife and follow the proper Islamic method of slaughter (zabiha).
7. Shave the baby’s head on the same day This is a confirmed Sunnah. Give sadaqah equivalent to the weight of the hair in silver.
8. Name the child The 7th day is also the Sunnah day for naming.
Dua for Naming the Child on the Day of Aqeeqah
When naming the child, it is Sunnah to recite the Adhan in the right ear and Iqamah in the left ear. No specific Hadith narrates a separate naming dua, but the following general dua seeking blessing for the child is well-established:
Arabic:
أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ
Transliteration:
A’udhu bi kalimatillahi-ttammati min kulli shaytanin wa hammatin wa min kulli ‘aynin lammah
Meaning:
“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from every devil, every poisonous creature, and from every evil eye.”
(Narrated in Sahih Bukhari: 3371 the Prophet ﷺ used to recite this for Hasan and Husain رضي الله عنهما)
Dua When Shaving the Baby’s Head
While no specific dua is proven exclusively for head shaving during aqeeqah, the act is preceded by:
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللهِ، وَبِاللهِ، وَعَلَى مِلَّةِ رَسُولِ اللهِ
Transliteration:
Bismillahi wa billahi wa ‘ala millati Rasulillah
Meaning:
“In the name of Allah, with the help of Allah, and upon the way of the Messenger of Allah.”
This general beginning phrase covers acts of Sunnah practice.
Dua After Aqeeqah: Thanking Allah for the Newborn
After the aqeeqah is completed, parents are encouraged to make a heartfelt dua for the child’s righteousness and wellbeing. The following dua is taken from the Quran the dua of Prophet Zakariyya (AS) for pious offspring:
Arabic:
رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ
Transliteration:
Rabbi hab li min ladunka dhurriyyatan tayyibah, innaka sami’ud-du’a
Meaning:
“My Lord, grant me from Yourself good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.” (Surah Aal-Imran, 3:38)
Common Mistakes People Make During Aqeeqah
1. Skipping the dua entirely Many families assume the Qurbani dua is sufficient. It is not the aqeeqah dua specifically mentions the child’s name, making it a distinct act of dedication.
2. Using fabricated duas Several unverified texts circulate online claiming to be “the aqeeqah dua.” Stick to what is narrated in Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi only.
3. Not inserting the child’s name The dua is incomplete without replacing “fulan” with the actual name of the child.
4. Performing aqeeqah before the 7th day The Sunnah is specifically the 7th day. Performing it earlier without genuine necessity contradicts the established practice.
5. Distributing all meat to one’s own family The meat of aqeeqah should be divided: a portion eaten at home, a portion gifted to friends, and a portion given to the poor.
Quick Reference Table: Aqeeqah Dua Summary
| Occasion | Dua Source | Language Available |
|---|---|---|
| Slaughter dua (main) | Abu Dawood: 2838 | Arabic, Urdu, English, Hindi |
| Protection dua for newborn | Bukhari: 3371 | Arabic, Urdu, English |
| Dua for righteous offspring | Quran 3:38 | Arabic, Urdu, English |
| General beginning (head shave) | General Sunnah practice | Arabic |
Read Also: Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum Birahmatika Astaghees Dua
Conclusion
Aqeeqah is one of the most tender acts in Islamic family life a formal introduction of your child to the deen, backed by sacrifice, gratitude, and sincere supplication. Reciting aqeeqah ki dua correctly, with the child’s name, in the right sequence, and with full understanding of its meaning transforms a ritual into a deeply personal act of worship.
The duas in this article are not opinions or interpretations they are traceable to authenticated Hadith and Quranic text. Every step of aqeeqah ki dua aur tarika outlined here reflects the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions. Whether you are preparing aqeeqah ki dua for a girl or aqeeqah ki dua for a boy, the foundation remains the same: sincerity, proper method, and reliance on verified knowledge.
May Allah accept the aqeeqah of every newborn, bless every child with righteousness, and make them a source of joy and goodness for their families and the ummah. Ameen.
FAQs: Aqeeqah Ki Dua
Q1: Is there a different aqeeqah ki dua for boy and girl?
No, the dua text is the same. The only difference is the child’s name is inserted, and for a boy, the dua is recited twice (once for each animal). For a girl, it is recited once.
Q2: Can aqeeqah be done without reciting the dua?
The sacrifice is still valid, but reciting the dua is a Sunnah act that completes the aqeeqah properly. It is strongly recommended not to skip it.
Q3: What if I don’t know the child’s name yet on the 7th day?
It is best to choose the name before the 7th day, as naming on this day is also a Sunnah. If the name is not finalized, a temporary or family name can be used and corrected later.
Q4: Can a woman recite aqeeqah ki dua and perform the slaughter?
Yes, it is permissible for a woman to slaughter the animal and recite the dua according to the majority of Islamic scholars.
Q5: Is it necessary to recite the dua in Arabic?
The dua should ideally be recited in Arabic, as that is the transmitted form. However, a non-Arabic speaker may also recite it in their native language with the intention of meaning.
Q6: Can aqeeqah ki dua be recited by someone else (not the parent)?
Yes, the dua and slaughter can be performed by any Muslim on behalf of the parents. The key is that the child’s name is mentioned correctly.
Q7: What is said at the time of shaving the baby’s head during aqeeqah?
No exclusive dua has been authentically narrated for head shaving. Beginning with Bismillah and making a general dua for the child’s protection is appropriate.
Q8: Can aqeeqah be done after the 7th day if it was missed?
Yes. Scholars agree it can be performed on the 14th or 21st day. After that, it may still be done at any time before the child reaches adulthood.
Written by: Ahmad Raza
Credentials: Islamic Studies Content Writer
Read More duas for daily life at The Dua For You