If a man is blessed with a newborn, whether male or female, what is obligatory for him to do initially regarding the 'aqiqah?

Question:
If a man is blessed with a newborn, whether male or female, what is obligatory for him to do initially regarding the 'aqiqah? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
If a man is blessed with a newborn, this is a blessing from Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) upon him, so it is obligatory for him to thank Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). It is also prescribed for him to whisper in the newborn's right ear and to establish the prayer in the left ear; this is recommended and not obligatory, because there is a benefit for the newborn in that the first thing he hears is the remembrance of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He), and the first thing that enters his heart is the remembrance of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). This is recommended if it is easy to do. It is also prescribed for the child's father to choose a good name for him, to name him with a beautiful name, and to avoid bad names, for this is a right of the newborn upon his father. It is also recommended for him, and emphasized in the father's case, to perform the 'aqiqah by slaughtering two sheep for a male child and one sheep for a female child on the seventh day or on a day after that. He should treat the 'aqiqah as he treats the 'Id sacrifice, by eating one-third, giving one-third to his neighbors and friends, and giving one-third in charity, dividing it into thirds: one-third he eats with his family at home, one-third he gives to his companions, and one-third he gives in charity to the poor and needy.
What is obligatory for a father regarding his child, once the child reaches the age of reason, is to raise him with good upbringing, accustom him to noble morals, and teach him the Qur'an, based on the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him): "Order your children to pray at seven, and beat them for it ." The newborn is a trust upon his father; once he reaches the age of reason, he must discipline him, teach him the matters of his religion, have him memorize the Qur'an, order him to pray, monitor his behavior, and keep him away from bad morals and bad company.