What are the rulings for the 'Aqiqah for a male newborn?

The 'aqiqah is the sacrifice slaughtered for a newborn on the seventh day. It was known among Arabs before Islam, and Islam affirmed it. It is prescribed to slaughter two sheep for a male and one sheep for a female. This differentiation is based on the Sharia's preference for males over females in various rulings, such as inheritance and testimony. Among the benefits of the 'aqiqah are that it is an offering and a ransom for the newborn, and it releases him from his pledge so that he may intercede for his parents. The best time for slaughtering it is on the seventh day, but there is no harm if it is delayed.