Hazrat Samurah narrates from the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A child is held in pledge for its ‘aqiqah. On the seventh day after birth, an animal should be sacrificed on behalf of the child, the child’s head should be shaved, and a name should be given." And (Imam) Abu Hanifah’s opinion has been mentioned that: "If ‘aqiqah is not performed on behalf of the child, then there is no blame upon him."