Q: I have an old-aged female relative who is accustomed to slaughter a black male goat every year. She thinks that if she does that, some of her diseases will be cured. Whenever she is asked about the reason for doing this, she answers that it is a Sadaqah (voluntary charity). Her children also support her in doing this. Please advise us on the ruling of this act.

A: Slaughtering based on this belief along with determining a certain color for the slaughtered animal at a specific time is not permissible. This is because believing that such an act cures diseases is a corrupt belief. If the slaughtered animal is intended for the Jinn (creatures created from fire) or Satan, this will be an act of major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship that takes the Muslim out of Islam). Therefore, you should advise this woman or any other person acting the same way to abandon that and repent to Allah (Exalted be He) of doing it, for Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) is the Only One Who removes distresses and prevents diseases. Allah (Exalted be He) says, Say: “Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allâh ? if Allâh intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm? Or if He (Allâh) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?” Say: “Sufficient for me is Allâh; in Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must put their trust.)” (Part No. 1; Page No. 69) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.