What is the concept of ‘aqīqah in Islam?
Answer: ‘Aqīqah was a ritual of the pre-Islamic Jāhilliyyah period. The Prophet (sws) did not give religious sanction to it. Therefore, it is not part of the Islamic Sharī`ah. However, animal sacrifice to express one's gratitude on a new addition to one's family is a deed which pleases the Almighty just as the prayer at an instance of joy pleases Him.