Q 2: There is a group of people residing in a neighboring valley called Um Al-Safa’. At the beginning of every summer, they purchase a bull or a cow and slaughter it at Al-Safa’. This happens every year, at the beginning of summer. I see this as an act of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), because they slaughter this animal to those who live in the valley from Jinn and devils, and other superstitions. (Part No. 1; Page No. 211) They do this at the beginning of the year in one specific place. If it was done anywhere, it would not be a problem, because it would be done for Allah. What is the ruling on this practice? Is it an act of Shirk? If not, why not?

A: If the situation is as you described and they offer sacrificial animals in this valley for the Jinn, it is a major form of Shirk that takes the person who performs it out of Islam. Allah (Exalted be He) 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). "He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims." He also says: Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only). And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah has cursed the one who slaughters (a sacrifice) to other than Allah.” (Recorded by Muslim in his Sahih [Book of Authentic Hadith]) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.