Is it obligatory to offer two sheep for the aqiqah of a female, based on a vow, or should it be reduced to one sheep in accordance with the Prophetic Sunnah?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Your statement: "I will sacrifice two sheep for " is not considered a vow unless you intended it as such. A vow requires a specific utterance or phrasing that conveys commitment. If you did intend it as a vow, then you are obligated to fulfill it. What has been reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, regarding aqiqah, is by way of recommendation, not obligation. Scholars have differed on the number of aqiqah sacrifices. The Malikis held that one sheep is sufficient for each newborn, whether male or female, and there is no harm in sacrificing two sheep.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/164698
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 164698
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy