All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.

If the 'aqīqah is a recommended one (mandūbah), it is obligatory to give some portion of it in charity to the poor — even if the amount is small — with the minimum being approximately half a kilogram of meat.

The most preferable manner of distribution is to divide it into three equal portions, as with the uḍḥiyyah:

 

One third for the guardian and his household to eat from

One third to be given in charity to the poor

One third to be gifted to friends and neighbours, even if they are wealthy

 

It is furthermore more preferable to send the food to the poor already cooked, rather than inviting them to come and eat. And Allah Almighty knows best.