Is it permissible for me to intend to share in the slaughter of a cow for 'aqiqah for my children, or must my husband make that intention, especially since my father did not slaughter an 'aqiqah for me when I was young?

Scholars have differed on whether cattle are sufficient for the 'Aqiqah, with most agreeing on their sufficiency.

The majority who affirm its sufficiency have differed on the following: Ahmad held that a cow or a camel is sufficient for only one person. The Shafi'is permitted seven people to share a camel or a cow for the 'Aqiqah.

It is not permissible for you to share in the 'Aqiqah without your husband's permission, because the cow is his property.

As for an adult performing 'Aqiqah for himself if his father did not do so for him, scholars have differed on this matter: Ibn Qudamah: There is no 'Aqiqah due from him, because the Sunnah is for the father to perform it. Ata' and Al-Hasan: He should perform 'Aqiqah for himself, because it is legislated for him and he is held accountable by it. Ibn Baz: It is recommended for him to perform 'Aqiqah for himself, due to the generality of the Ahadith and because it is a confirmed Sunnah that the father neglected.

The Hadith that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, performed 'Aqiqah for himself after his prophethood has been weakened by the majority of Hadith scholars.

Based on this, it is permissible for you to perform 'Aqiqah for yourself if your husband permits you to own one-seventh of the cow.