Is it permissible for a person to slaughter an 'aqiqah for himself?

Question:
The questioner says: My father passed away when I was in my first week of life, and I do not know whether he slaughtered an 'aqiqah for me or not. When I reached the age of twenty, am I obligated to perform an 'aqiqah for myself?

Answer:
The 'aqiqah is a recommended practice (sunnah) for the father, so the father performs the 'aqiqah for his children. The 'aqiqah is the sacrificial animal that is slaughtered on the seventh day. The common people call it a "tamimah" (amulet), and some call it an "aqiqah." The meaning is that it is a sacrificial animal slaughtered on the seventh day for the child: two for a male, and one for a female. This is the sunnah, and it is a confirmed sunnah, not obligatory. So if your father did not perform the 'aqiqah for you, you owe nothing. And if you slaughter for yourself, there is nothing wrong with it, but it is a sunnah for your father. So if he slaughtered, praise be to Allah. And if he did not slaughter, you owe nothing. And if you slaughter, there is nothing wrong with it.