Slaughtering an animal for a Jinn
Q: I was reading about those who slaughter an animal for the Jinn. I read that if the slaughtered animal is dedicated to a Jinn or Shaitaan, this will be an act of major Shirk (associating partners with Allah Ta'ala).
I have heard the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah mention, “There is scholarly consensus that it is not permissible to prostrate to anyone or anything besides Allah Ta'ala. However, without the intention of worship, then this is not outright disbelief (kufr).”
My question is that in the first case, where they slaughter the animal for the Jinn, if someone who did this claimed that it was not shirk because it’s like the example mentioned about prostration, then how would you respond to them?
A: In regard to aspects related to shirk and kufr, then there is no difference among all the Ambiyaa from the time of Hazrat Aadam (alaihi salaam) till Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in these issues. As far as prostrating before someone is concerned, then this can be done with the intention of ibaadat or with the intention of showing respect.
If it is done with the intention of ibaadat, then this will be regarded as shirk according to all the Ambiyaa (alaihimus salaam) without any exception. However, if this is done with the intention of showing honour and respect to the person, then this was regarded as permissible in the past ummats. As far as the ummah of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is concerned, then this has been declared as haraam and impermissible.
As far as offering an animal as a sacrifice is concerned, this can only be done as an act of worship and hence, this is exclusive to Allah Ta'ala according to all the Ambiyaa (alaihimus salaam). The clear texts of the Quraan declares offering an animal as a sacrifice for anyone besides Allah Ta'ala as shirk. Hence, if one offers an animal as a sacrifice for anyone besides Allah Ta'ala, then this is as though one is ascribing an equal partner to Allah Ta'ala in offering this sacrifice to him.
Therefore, this action will be haraam according to all the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum), Taabieen, Tabi Taabieen, the four imaams and the rightly guided ulama (rahimahumullah) throughout the centuries of Islam and all have regarded this action as shirk.
It is for this reason that this action cannot be compared with prostrating before someone.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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