The 'Aqiqah: Is its ruling the same as that of the 'Id sacrifice?

The questioner : Shaykh, is the ruling on the 'Aqiqah the same as the ruling on the 'Id sacrifice?

The Shaykh : Your question is incomplete. To the extent that you ask about its ruling, I say its ruling is the same. To the extent that you ask about [something else], I say no. If your question is regarding its obligation, I say yes. If it is regarding enjoying its meat, I say no.

The questioner : Yes, this is the other question.

The Shaykh : Yes, this is the other question. The one who slaughters for his child has the choice in how he disposes of the 'Aqiqah, if Allah wills. He may eat it all, may it be pleasant and beneficial, even if he is among the wealthiest of people. Or he may distribute it all, even if he is among the poorest of people. Or he may combine these, eating some, giving some as a gift, and giving some in charity.

The questioner : The same question: what is its ruling regarding its age?

The Shaykh : It differs from the 'Id sacrifice, meaning there is no condition [regarding its age].