The Ruling on Slaughter at Wells That People Visit for Healing

Q: In southern Jordan, there are mineral waters known as the Well of Sulayman ibn Dawud. People visit them to bathe and seek healing, and they bring sacrificial animals with them to slaughter upon arrival. What is the ruling on slaughtering such animals?

A: If the water has been tested and is known to be beneficial for certain diseases, there is no harm in that; for Allah has made some waters beneficial for certain ailments. If it is known through experience that this water benefits those suffering from specific diseases, such as rheumatism or others, then there is no harm in that.
As for the slaughtered animals, there is a distinction in this matter: if they are slaughtered for the sake of their needs, their food, and the like, including what they have for their guests, then there is nothing wrong with that. But if they are slaughtered for any other purpose, such as drawing near to the water, or to the jinn, or to the prophets, or for any of the defective beliefs, then this is not permissible. This is because Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, says, addressing His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him): He has no partner [Al-An'am: 162-163]. And He says: : So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [Al-Kawthar: 1-2]. Thus, the slaughter is for Allah (Mighty and Majestic) , and the acts of worship are for Him alone, and so are all other acts of worship, for Allah alone. It is not permissible to direct any of them to other than Allah. This is based on the saying of Allah: : [Al-Bayyinah: 5]. And His saying, Glorified is He: Know that to Allah belongs the pure religion [Az-Zumar: 2-3]. And based on the verses mentioned earlier and what came in their meaning, and based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): Narrated by Muslim in his Sahih from the hadith of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) .
It is not permissible for a person to slaughter for the jinn, or for a certain star, or for a certain planet, or for a certain water, or for a certain prophet, or for any person, or for the idols. Rather, all drawing near is to Allah (Mighty and Majestic) through the slaughtered animals, the prayers, and the other acts of worship. This is based on the saying of Allah: : [Al-Fatihah: 5]. And based on what preceded from His saying, Exalted and Majestic is He: And [Al-Bayyinah: 5]. And His saying, the Exalted: Know that to Allah belongs the pure religion [Az-Zumar: 2-3]. And other verses.
Slaughter is among the most important acts of worship and the best means of drawing near to Allah, so it must be made sincere for Allah alone, due to the verses we mentioned, and due to what preceded from the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): .