Q 6: Among the cures that they use for treating people is to slaughter a sheep or a chicken on a patient’s chest or head; or to put some silver rings in the patient’s hand, or a small piece of cloth or a handful of dust, which I think they claim it to be of the clothing or grave dust of a pious relative of theirs. What is the ruling on seeking treatment through such ways? Is it permissible to trust in what such people say?

A: It is Haram (prohibited) to sacrifice to other than Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed those who slaughter a sacrifice to other than Allah, which is considered a form of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Allah the Exalted says (what means): Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Verily, my Salât (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). (Surah Al-An’am, 6: 162). "He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims." (Surah Al-An’am, 6: 163). It is authentically established that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Allah has cursed the one who slaughters (a sacrifice) to other than Allah.” (Part No. 1; Page No. 204) As for seeking treatment in the manner mentioned in the question, it is Munkar (unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) and is unlawful, even if the slaughtering of the animal is dedicated as a sacrifice to Allah the Exalted. It is impermissible to trust in what these people say, because they are sorcerers and impostors. It is authentically narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever goes to a fortuneteller and asks him about something, his Salah (prayer) will not be accepted for forty nights.” He (peace be upon him) also said: “Whoever goes to a soothsayer or a fortuneteller and believes what he says, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad.” (peace be upon him). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.