Q. My grandpa did an aqeeqa recently for my dad who is 40. Can it be done so many years later? My dad is at least 40!

A. Although not preferred, an aqeeqa can be done years later. The idea of an aqeeqa is to ward off evil during the life span of the child. Thus, it was not necessary for grandpa to do it for his son later on in life. By grandpa doing it, he would gain reward for his generosity, insha-Allah. He will be rewarded more so if your grandpa was poor at the time of your father’s birth/childhood, and could not do it at the more appropriate time.

Allah certainly knows best.