At an Aqiqah, guests usually bring a card with a dua for the baby and a gift. Good choices are keepsakes (a name print in English and Arabic, a baby record book), clothes in 6–12 month sizes, a board book with a dated dedication, money in a card, or something practical for the parents. There is no fixed rule.
What is an Aqiqah?
The Aqiqah is a Sunnah practice of sacrificing an animal in thanks to Allah for a new baby, with the meat shared among family, friends and those in need. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that a child “is held in pledge for his Aqiqah, which is sacrificed for him on his seventh day, and he is named and his head is shaved” (Sunan Abi Dawud 2838, graded sahih by al-Albani; see also Sahih al-Bukhari 5472).
Most scholars regard the Aqiqah as a strongly recommended Sunnah rather than an obligation. Many allow it later than the seventh day if the family cannot manage it then, and practice differs between schools of thought on details such as the number of animals. Families follow the guidance of their own scholars and mosque.
In the UK, many families arrange the sacrifice through a charity abroad, such as Muslim Hands, and hold a meal at home, a restaurant or a hall. Guests usually bring a card with duas and a gift for the baby.
What do you bring to an Aqiqah?
Bring a card with a dua for the baby and either a gift or money in the card. There is no religious rule about what guests give; the custom is cultural, and families appreciate anything given with good intentions. These categories cover most good choices:
- Keepsakes: a name print in English and Arabic calligraphy with the meaning of the name, a Muslim baby record book with pages for the Aqiqah, first Ramadan and first Eid, or a keepsake box.
- Practical gifts: clothes in 6–12 month sizes, muslins, a sling, a bath set.
- Faith-filled gifts: a soft toy or speaker that plays short surahs and duas, a cot mobile with moon and stars, a nursery print of Ayat al-Kursi.
- Books: a first board book with a dated dedication, such as Sara Khan’s My First Book About Allah (Kube).
- Money: in a card with the baby’s name and a dua.
How much should you spend on an Aqiqah gift?
Spend what is comfortable: the dua in the card matters more than the price. As a guide, close family often give more, and friends and colleagues give a small gift or money. The table shows typical UK price bands.
| Budget | Gift ideas | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Under £15 | Board book with dedication, dua card, muslins, baby socks set | Friends, neighbours, colleagues |
| £15–£30 | Baby record book, name print, Qur’an soft toy, clothes bundle | Friends and extended family |
| £30–£60 | Keepsake box, cot mobile, sling | Close family |
| Group gift | Pram accessories, a nursery chair, a contribution to a children’s savings account | Colleagues, cousins, a group of friends |
Which books make good gifts for a Muslim baby?
Choose one sturdy board book and write the date and a dua inside. One useful thing to know: through BookTrust’s Bookstart Baby scheme, families in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are offered a free pack with a book for babies under 12 months, usually at a health check or from a library. Your gift will therefore not be the baby’s only book, so make it one with an Islamic theme, which Bookstart does not include.
A personalised storybook is a gift for later. Hudhud, a UK personalised Islamic storybook, puts the child’s name and likeness into the stories of five Prophets, but it is written for children aged roughly 2–9 and is drawn from a photo. For a baby, a card promising it for their second birthday or first remembered Eid works well. Our guide to gifts for Muslim toddlers has ideas for that next stage.
What should you write in an Aqiqah card?
Write a short dua for the baby and congratulations to the parents. Some ideas, in English:
- “May Allah make this child righteous, healthy and a source of joy for you both.”
- “May Allah bless you in what He has given you, and may the child grow in faith and goodness.”
- The Qur’anic dua: “Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes” (Qur’an 25:74).
Is it OK to give money at an Aqiqah?
Yes. Money in a card is one of the most common gifts in UK Muslim families, and parents often use it for baby essentials or save it for the child. Put it in a sealed card with the baby’s name and your name clearly written, so the parents can thank you.
What gifts do new Muslim parents appreciate?
Parents receive plenty for the baby and little for themselves. Thoughtful ideas:
- A book of duas for parents, or a book on parenting in Islam.
- A meal rota from friends, or a voucher for a local halal meal delivery.
- A hamper of dates, snacks and tea for night feeds.
- An offer to collect older children from school for a week.
For older siblings, a small present “from the baby” helps them feel included.
Which traditions might you see at an Aqiqah?
Families from different backgrounds welcome a baby in different ways. Some practices come from the Sunnah, others are cultural.
- From the Sunnah: the sacrifice, naming the baby, shaving the hair, and tahnik (rubbing a little softened date on the baby’s palate). Many families also give the weight of the hair in silver, or its value, in charity.
- Widely practised: saying the adhan softly in the baby’s right ear. Scholars differ on the strength of the narrations about this, but it is common in many communities.
- Cultural: the style of the meal, decorations, gift trays and dress vary by family heritage.
Aqiqah gift etiquette checklist
- Write the baby’s name correctly; check the spelling with a relative if unsure.
- Avoid strongly scented gifts for newborns.
- Give clothes in a larger size, with the gift receipt.
- If you are unsure of the family’s practice, a book, keepsake or money in a card is always safe.
- If you cannot attend, post a card with a dua and a small gift.
Grandparents planning a lifelong gift tradition can start here: see Islamic gifts from grandparents.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
What do you bring to an Aqiqah?
A card with duas for the baby and a gift, such as a keepsake, a first book with a dedication, clothes in a larger size, or money in a card. There is no religious rule on what guests give.
Is it OK to give money at an Aqiqah?
Yes. Money in a card is a very common gift in UK Muslim families. Write the baby’s name, your name and a dua in the card.
When is the Aqiqah held?
Traditionally on the seventh day after birth, based on the hadith in Sunan Abi Dawud 2838. Many scholars allow it later, such as the 14th or 21st day, and families follow their own scholars and mosque.
Is the Aqiqah compulsory?
Most scholars regard it as a strongly recommended Sunnah rather than an obligation. Families who cannot afford it are not sinful, and many UK families arrange it through a charity abroad.
What is a good Islamic gift for a newborn?
A name print in English and Arabic, a Muslim baby record book, a soft toy that plays short surahs, or a first Islamic board book with a dated dedication and a dua.
What should I write in an Aqiqah card?
Congratulate the parents and add a short dua, such as “May Allah make this child righteous, healthy and a source of joy for you.” The Qur’anic dua in 25:74 is another beautiful choice.
Can you get a personalised book for a baby?
Many personalised books suit toddlers and older. Hudhud is written for children aged roughly 2–9 and draws the child from a photo, so for a baby it is best given as a promise for their second birthday or first remembered Eid.