`Aqiqah for a baby that dies the day it was born

Q 1: A premature baby who was born at six months of age died on the same day after birth; should we slaughter a `Aqiqah (sacrifice for a newborn) for it or not?

A: If the case is as you have mentioned, that the baby was born at six months, it is a Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) to slaughter `Aqiqah even if it dies immediately after birth. This should be done on the seventh day after birth. It should also be given a name, according to what was narrated by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari and the compilers of Sunan (Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes), from Salman ibn `Amir from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said, ‘Aqiqah is to be offered for every newborn boy, so slaughter an animal for him, and relieve him of his suffering. It was also narrated by Al-Hasan from Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, A `Aqiqah should be slaughtered for every baby boy on the seventh day; his head is to be shaved; and he should be given a name. (Narrated by Ahmad and the compilers of Sunan (Part No. 11; Page No. 445) and ranked as Sahih [authentic] by Al-Tirmidhy) `Aqiqah is two sheep for a boy and one sheep for a girl, according to what was narrated by `Amr ibn Shu`ayb from his father, from his grandfather, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever wishes to offer a sacrifice on behalf of his baby, he may offer two identical sheep for a boy and one for a girl. (Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Al-Nasa'y with a good Isnad [chain of narration]) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.