Is it permissible to give the 'aqiqah in cash?

Question:
May Allah reward you with good. Umm Muhsin says: Shaykh, is it permissible to give the 'aqiqah for a newborn as a cash donation, i.e., money, to one of the charitable organizations?

Answer:
This does not count as an 'aqiqah. The 'aqiqah is a sacrificial animal, a type of the prescribed acts of worship, and paying money does not suffice for it, just as with the 'Id sacrifice. It must be slaughtered because it is an act of worship for Allah, and slaughtering is an act of worship. So, "Pray to your Lord and sacrifice." "Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds." The 'Id sacrifice or the 'aqiqah is an act of worship for the newborn, and it must be slaughtered. I mean, it is strongly recommended to slaughter it, and paying the value, i.e., giving coins, is not sufficient. This is not considered an 'aqiqah; it is only considered voluntary charity. Yes.