How is aqeeqah done, and is it compulsory?

“Fuqaha state that it is Mustahab to eat from the Aqeeqah animal, feed others, and give it in Sadaqah. Hence, one may host a function in moderation, and feed one’s relatives and the poor while adhering to the laws of Hijab. Furthermore, one should desist from wastage, free-mixing and breaking the laws of Hijab.”

“Performing aqeeqah is not mandatory. If a person’s aqeeqah has not been performed as a child and wishes to perform it on a later stage of his life, he may do so.”

“Aqeeqah is performed on behalf of a new born child by their parents. Aqeeqah is preferable (Mustahab) and not compulsory. Therefore, there is no Qadha (making up) of a missed Aqeeqah. However, if a person wishes to perform their own Aqeeqah later on in life, it will be permissible for them to do so.”

“1. It is mustahab to shave the child's hair and carry out the aqeeqah on the seventh day after child birth. However, if the child's hair is shaved before the seventh day, then it is permissible.”