‘Aqiqah and Naming Ceremony Under Islamic Law: Principles And Practice In The North-Central Nigeria
Abstract:The experience of having a child is an important event in the life of a Muslim. As such, ‘Aqiqah and naming ceremonies are milestone event in the life of a Muslim child in this world and in the Hereafter. Thus, ‘Aqiqah is comprised of the religious and spiritual rites to be observed at the birth of a new baby. These are complimented by ceremonies which have been affected by a range of cultural variations across ethnic divides. The general concern of this work is whether the contemporary practices of ‘Aqiqah and naming ceremonies are not at variance with the precinct of Islamic principles on the subject. This paper therefore examines the Shariah requirements of ‘Aqiqah and naming ceremonies under Islamic law with a view to ascertain the validity of contemporary ‘Aqiqah and naming ceremonies in Northern Nigeria. It explores the extent to which the present-day Muslims conform to the basic Islamic tenets or otherwise in matter of ‘Aqiqah and celebration of naming generally using selected cultures, including the yoruba component part of the North-central as case studies. It concludes by offering suggestions to the Muslims to follow and adopt the style of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and his early followers in this matter
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