Distribution of ‘aqeeqah meat

The Sunnah is to
sacrifice the ‘aqeeqah for the new born child. The Prophet
(peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“With
the boy there should be ‘aqeeqah, so shed blood on his behalf and remove
the harm (i.e., circumcision).” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 5049;
al-Tirmidhi, no. 1434 – he said it is a saheeh hasan hadeeth).

 It
is permissible to eat from this ‘aqeeqah, and also to feed relatives,
friends and the poor. It is permissible to cook it and then give it to
others, or to give it to them raw. It was reported that ‘Aa’ishah (may
Allaah be pleased with her) said concerning the meat of the ‘aqeeqah:
“It should be cut into pieces, then eaten and given to others.” (Narrated by Ibn Abi Shaybah in
al-Musannaf,
5)

 It
was narrated that Ibn Seereen and al-Hasan al-Basri said: “Among them
the ‘aqeeqah was dealt with like a sacrifice; some would be eaten and
some given to others.” (Ibn Abi Shaybah, 5).

 Ibn
Hazm said: “Some of the ‘aqeeqah should be eaten, and some given as
gifts and in charity.” (al-Muhallaa
by Ibn Hazm, 6)

 It
is mustahabb to cook all of the ‘aqeeqah, even the share that is to be
given in charity, because it was narrated that some of the Salaf, such as
Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him), regarded that as mustahabb.
‘Ataa’ ibn Abi Rabaah used to say concerning the ‘aqeeqah: “It
should be cut into pieces, cooked with water and salt, and given as gifts
to one’s neighbours.” (Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in al-Sunan, no. 19827).