Is it permissible to use a newborn's money, received from felicitations, for the Aqiqah, or to use it and then return it?

The money given to the child's father upon the birth of his newborn could be a form of assistance for the newborn's expenses and 'aqiqah (sacrifice upon childbirth). In this case, the father is permitted to use it for the 'aqiqah. It is also possible that it is the property of the newborn, to be kept for him, and his father is permitted to spend from it when needed, including for the 'aqiqah if the father does not have sufficient money for it.

Determining the intended recipient of the gift (the father or the newborn) depends on prevailing custom.

Scholars have differed regarding the ownership of gifts given to the newborn. Some said they belong to the father, while others said they belong to the son. The preponderant opinion is that the gifts belong to the newborn, and the mother may not dispose of them except with the father's permission.

As for the 'aqiqah, the majority of scholars hold that it should come from the father's money, while some Malikis said it should come from the child's money, and if he has no money, then from the father's money.