08th September 2007 - This was my first assignment on Aqiqah ceremony. It was not as hard as shooting weddings and kids portraiture. But capturing baby’s gestures and movements takes an art to bring out his/her character. Focusing on his/her fingers and toes and watching them sleep is such a bliss. It brings the mood of serenity. I must say, shooting babies is one of my favourite!
From Googlesearch : “Aqiqah literally means cut and it is often used for the hair of a new born baby that is cut or shaved. Aqiqah is defined as the animal that is slaughtered on the occasion when the hair of a new born is shaved. The animal is called aqiqah and it is also encouraged for the animal to be called nasikah or zhabihah.The performance of aqiqah is sunnah muakkkadah ( highly encouraged ).It is to be performed by the parents or the guardians of the child.
Prophet Muhammad and his companions used to perform aqiqah when they were bestowed with a new born. It was narrated in Sahih Bukhari, that the Prophet ( Peace be upon him ) said :
” With a ghulam ( young boy ) his aqiqah, then pour on his behalf blood and remove from him all that is offensive.”
The time to perform aqiqah begins with the birth of the baby. It continues until the baby reaches the age of puberty or independence. Once the person is independent, the responsibility of performing aqiqah rest on his ownself and he can perform it for his ownself if this act has not been done previously.
The best time to perform aqiqah is on the seventh day after the birth of the baby.
This was reported in Abu Daud where the Prophet ( Peace be upon him ) said :
” A young boy is cleansed with his aqiqah. An animal is slaughtered for him on the seventh day, his name is given and his head shaved.”
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