The ʿAqīqah, as established in the Sunnah, is a specific act tied to the sacrifice offered on behalf of the child. Once that sacrifice has been performed, the Sunnah of ʿAqīqah is considered complete. The associated acts, such as shaving the head and distributing meat, are connected to that specific occasion and are not repeated or extended in a formal sense.

Because of this, it would not be accurate from a fiqh perspective to describe a later gathering as a “continuation” or “extension” of the ʿAqīqah. The ʿAqīqah itself has already been fulfilled, and the Sharīʿah does not recognize it as an ongoing or multi-stage act.

However, your intention to gather family and friends, to share food, and to express gratitude to Allah for the blessing of your child is a beautiful and commendable intention. Feeding others and maintaining family ties are acts greatly encouraged in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said: “O people, spread peace, feed others, and pray at night while people are sleeping, and you will enter Paradise in peace.” (Tirmidhi).

If your intention is to share in the joy you originally wished to include your local family in, that is completely valid and worthy of reward. You may connect it internally to your original gratitude for the child, but outwardly, in your wording, it is better not to label it as ʿAqīqah or an extension of it. Rather, it should be understood as a general gathering, ṣadaqah, or walīmah-like meal of gratitude.

This approach avoids confusion and stays closest to the Sunnah while still fulfilling your heartfelt intention to include loved ones.

Therefore, it is recommended to host the gathering with the intention of gratitude and sharing blessings, without formally associating it with the ʿAqīqah. Your reward lies in your sincerity, and Allah knows your original intention.