How is the aqiqah distributed? Is it in three parts, or for the whole family?

"According to some scholars, the 'aqiqah (definition) is similar to the udhiyah (definition) in its rulings. They hold the view that it should be divided like the udhiyah and that its animal must meet the same conditions as the udhiyah, being free from defects.

Ibn Qudamah believes that the manner of eating, gifting, and giving in charity from the 'aqiqah is the same as for the udhiyah, and this is also the opinion of Al-Shafi'i. Ibn Sirin and Ahmad, however, hold that one may dispose of its meat as one wishes, whether by eating, giving in charity, or combining both.

It is more appropriate to liken it to the udhiyah in terms of distribution, as it is a prescribed sacrifice that is not obligatory and resembles it in its characteristics.

Conversely, Al-Shawkani believes that the general mention of "two sheep" (al-shātayn) indicates that the conditions for the udhiyah are not stipulated, and that the purpose of the 'aqiqah is to draw closer to Allah and show gratitude for His blessings."