Sadaqah of Al-`Arqub

A: Offering slaughtered animals on a certain date every year believing that this would protect the town from any disaster is Haram (prohibited), Bid`ah (innovation in religion), and a means leading to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). This is so even if the Name of Allah is mentioned upon slaughtering and even if they call it Sadaqah.If these slaughtered animals are offered for other than Allah (Exalted be He), such as the Jinn (creatures created from fire) and devils in order to ward off their evil, this is an act of major Shirk that takes a person out of Islam. Accordingly, they have to make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) and give up this habit. They have to put their trust in Allah Alone. Say: "Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allâh has ordained for us. He is our Maulâ (Lord, Helper and Protector)." And in Allâh let the believers put their trust. (Part No. 2; Page No. 288) Anyone who has made this vow should know that it is Haram and an act of disobedience that must not be fulfilled. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Anyone who vows to obey Allah, should obey Him; and anyone who vows to disobey Allah, should not disobey Him." Such a will is Batil (null and void) and should not be executed.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.