Is it permissible to slaughter the 'aqiqah using a sacrificial bond without the owner partaking of its meat? What is the difference between it and a vow (nadhr)? And is a wife's vow to slaughter an 'aqiqah upon being blessed with a child considered an 'aqiqah?

It is permissible to appoint an agent for slaughtering the 'aqiqah (sacrifice for a newborn) and the udhiyah (sacrifice on Eid al-Adha). The intention of the principal (the one who appointed the agent) is considered, not that of the agent, and the agent's knowledge of the intention is not a condition. The ruling for 'aqiqah is the same as for udhiyah; it is a confirmed Sunnah, and it is not a condition for the family of the newborn to eat from it. As for vows (nadhr), it is when a Muslim obligates themselves to perform an act of closeness to Allah. If one vows an 'aqiqah or udhiyah, it becomes obligatory. However, a vow is not valid unless it is verbally expressed. The mother's vow for the 'aqiqah is sufficient with the father's permission.