How to plan an Aqiqa in Lahore

When is an Aqiqa held?

The Sunnah is to hold the Aqiqa on the seventh day after the baby is born, and many scholars mention the fourteenth or twenty-first day if the seventh is not possible. In practice, many Lahore families choose a date that works for the mother's recovery and for relatives who need to travel. If you are unsure, ask your local imam or a scholar you trust about your situation.

The day often includes shaving the baby's head, giving charity, announcing or confirming the name, and a meal for family and friends.

A common custom is to weigh the shaved hair and give its weight in silver, or the value of that silver, in charity. Since the hair weighs very little, many families round the amount up and give more. Arrange a barber who is used to shaving newborns and is gentle and quick, and agree whether they come to the house.

Arranging the animals

The common practice is two goats or sheep for a boy and one for a girl. You can buy animals from a mandi or a trusted supplier, or arrange through a butcher who handles the purchase and slaughter. Ask about the animal's age and health, where and when it will be slaughtered, and whether cleaning and cutting are included.

Decide in advance how the meat will be used. Many families cook part of it for the gathering and distribute the rest to relatives, neighbours and people in need. If you want all of it cooked, tell the butcher and caterer so the cuts are right.

Home, rooftop or venue?

Most Aqiqas are small and held at home, on a rooftop or in a lawn. That keeps things relaxed for the mother and baby. For a larger guest list, a small banquet hall, a marquee section or a farmhouse works well. A daytime function is easier for elderly guests and young children.

If you host at home, think about seating, shade or heating depending on the season, and a quiet room for the mother and baby away from the noise. A simple tent, chairs and lights from a decor and tent service can make a home event much easier.

Who will cook?

This is the biggest practical decision. You have three common options:

• A caterer cooks your Aqiqa meat. Many Lahore caterers will cook meat you provide in deghs, and charge for cooking, other ingredients, bread and serving.
• A caterer provides the full menu, and the Aqiqa meat is distributed raw.
• Family cooks at home, with a hired cook or helpers for a larger crowd.

Typical Aqiqa menus centre on a mutton dish such as qorma or pulao, with naan, raita, salad and a sweet dish like kheer or zarda. Ask the caterer the questions in our caterer guide, especially about staff, crockery and how they handle meat you supply.

A simple one-week timeline

• Day 1 to 2: fix the date with family, decide the number of animals, and book the butcher or supplier.
• Day 2 to 3: decide home or venue, estimate the guest count, and book a caterer and any tent or seating.
• Day 4 to 5: invite guests, arrange the barber for the head-shaving, and plan the charity.
• Day 6: confirm timings with the butcher, caterer and tent service, and prepare distribution bags for meat.
• Day 7: slaughter in the morning, cooking and distribution, then the gathering.

If you would rather have caterers come to you, post a catering request on Bandobast, choose Aqiqa as the event type, and note whether you will supply the meat. Offers arrive within 24 hours.

Small touches families appreciate

A small box of mithai or dates for guests to take home, a corner for the baby's photos, and a short dua at the start of the meal. Keep the schedule short for the mother's sake. For other small family events, see planning a birthday or small family event in Lahore.