Giving at births, marriages and deaths

Islam teaches that charity is not only for Ramadan or zakat season. Births, marriages and deaths are natural moments to open our hands, share blessings and build a legacy of reward. Whether you are welcoming a child, starting married life, or saying goodbye to someone dear, giving in these moments carries special meaning.

Birth: Aqiqah and Sadaqah for a newborn

The arrival of a child is one of the greatest blessings. In Islam this joy is paired with gratitude and generosity. Aqiqah is the Sunnah sacrifice offered after birth, preferably on the seventh day. If that is not possible, it may be completed later. Many parents also name the child, shave the child's head and give the equivalent weight of the hair in silver to charity.

How Aqiqah is carried out

1. Make the intention for Aqiqah on behalf of the named newborn.
2. Offer two comparable sheep or goats for a boy, or one sheep or goat for a girl.
3. Use healthy animals of the required age that meet the same standards as an Eid sacrifice.
4. Arrange humane halal slaughter, mentioning Allah's name at the time of sacrifice.
5. Share the meat with people in need, relatives and neighbours. It may be distributed raw or cooked.

UNH arranges the sacrifice and distributes the meat where it is most needed. Aqiqah is a recommended Sunnah rather than an obligation, and scholarly details can differ. Ask a trusted scholar if your circumstances require specific guidance.

Beyond Aqiqah, Sadaqah for a newborn is a beautiful way to begin a child's life with good deeds. Some families sponsor an orphan, provide a food parcel, or donate a water share in the child's name, asking Allah to bless the new life.

• Aqiqah: two goats or sheep for a boy, one for a girl, according to Sunnah
• Shave the head and give charity equal to the weight of the hair in silver
• Choose a good name and make dua for righteousness and health
• Give Sadaqah on behalf of the child to begin life with barakah

Marriage: walimah and wedding Sadaqah

Marriage completes half of faith, and the Prophet, peace be upon him, encouraged a wedding feast called the walimah. It does not need to be extravagant. The blessing lies in sharing food and inviting others, especially those who might otherwise be forgotten.

Many couples now simplify their wedding and give the saved money as Sadaqah. This can fund food parcels, water projects, or support for orphans. Some guests also give Sadaqah instead of physical gifts, helping the couple begin their life together with mercy for others.

• Host a simple walimah and feed guests with sincerity
• Give Sadaqah as a couple to mark the start of married life
• Ask guests to donate to a chosen cause in lieu of gifts
• Support marriage support funds that help widows and orphans remarry with dignity

Death: funeral support and Sadaqah Jariyah

When a loved one passes away, one of the most lasting gifts we can offer is charity on their behalf. The Prophet, peace be upon him, taught that the deeds of the deceased are cut off except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.

This is why Sadaqah Jariyah is so precious at the time of death. A well, a school, a food programme, or sponsorship of an orphan can continue to flow as reward long after we are gone. Families may also contribute toward funeral costs for those who cannot afford them, which is itself a noble act of community care.

• Pay funeral and burial expenses for someone in need
• Give Sadaqah Jariyah in the name of the deceased
• Sponsor ongoing aid such as water, food or education
• Make dua, read Quran and ask Allah to forgive the departed

The rewards of giving at life's turning points

Charity at these moments carries extra weight because it is tied to gratitude, transition and remembrance of Allah. A gift given with the right intention can:

• Protect a newborn and bring barakah into the family
• Turn wedding joy into shared mercy for the poor
• Create a continuous stream of reward for the deceased
• Draw the giver closer to Allah at every stage of life

How UNH helps you give with purpose

At UNH we keep Zakat funds restricted and use Sadaqah to fund food, water, medical care, orphan support and emergency relief. When you give for a birth, marriage or death, you can choose the fund that matches your intention. Every donation is recorded and a receipt is sent for your records.

Frequently asked questions

What is Aqiqah in Islam?

Aqiqah is the Sunnah sacrifice offered in gratitude after a child's birth, preferably on the seventh day. The Sunnah is two comparable sheep or goats for a boy and one for a girl. The meat may be shared with relatives, neighbours and people in need.

Why does Aqiqah for a boy cost more?

A complete Aqiqah for a boy involves two sacrifices, while a girl's involves one. UNH charges £60 for each sacrifice, making the girl option £60 and the boy option exactly double at £120.

Can I give Sadaqah for a deceased relative?

Yes. Sadaqah given on behalf of a deceased person reaches them as continuous reward, especially Sadaqah Jariyah such as wells, food sponsorship or knowledge that benefits others.

Is charity recommended at a wedding?

Yes. The Prophet, peace be upon him, encouraged a wedding feast, or walimah, and many couples choose to give Sadaqah instead of overspending, sharing the blessing with those less fortunate.

What is Sadaqah Jariyah?

Sadaqah Jariyah is ongoing charity, such as a well, a school or a food programme, that continues to benefit people after the giver has passed away and brings them continuous reward.