Is it permissible for the 'aqiqah to be slaughtered by friends on behalf of the father?

The aqiqah is required from the one responsible for the child's upkeep. If someone else performs it without his permission, it is not valid according to the Shafi'is and Hanbalis. However, it is valid if slaughtered on his behalf, regardless of who slaughters it, according to some others. Therefore, if you give them permission to do so, the aqiqah is valid. If you do not give them permission, it is more cautious to repeat it.