Can Giving Cattle or Slaughtering Remove Illness?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
My daughter is unwell. I have heard of giving live cattle to a poor person for life, so Allah gives shifa. I’ve seen/heard people slaughter cattle, offering life instead of life. I’m confused about what to do.
I’ve wanted to slaughter and distribute a cow but have been advised not to and wait until she’s better. I’ve also been advised to give cattle to a poor person instead of slaughtering it. Please advise
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
It is permissible to give someone live cattle as well as slaughter an animal and feed the poor. Do what is easier for you, and that will benefit the poor. One should remember that one should always give a form of charity (sadaqa) that benefits the poor and distressed.
Treat Your Ill by Sadaqa and Duas
It has been reported by ‘Abdullah (Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Protect your wealth by (discharging) zakat, treat your ill by giving sadaqa and prepare for calamity in advance by engaging in dua.” [Tabarani, al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir]
Salvation for Relieving the Difficulties of Others
Abu Qatada (Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Whoever is pleased for Allah to save him from distress on the Day of Resurrection, let him relieve one in hardship or lift his burden.” [Muslim]
Best Deeds Is to Fulfil a Need
‘Umar Ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) was asked, “Which deeds are best?” The Prophet said,
“To bring happiness to a believer, to satisfy his hunger, to clothe his nakedness, or to fulfill his needs.” [Tabarani, al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat]
I encourage you to explore the valuable answers and resources linked below for further guidance, in sha’ Allah.
Related:
- What Can One Give to Charity?
- Sadaqa Archives
- Prophetic Supplications to Cure Illnesses
- What Is the Difference Between Ongoing Charity and Regular Charity?
- What Is Sadaqa Jariya?
- What is the Sunna Method of Seeking a Cure to an Illness?
Why not start your journey of knowledge by enrolling in a course on SeekersGuidance? You can choose from the Islamic Studies Curriculum or the Youth Islamic Studies Curriculum and progress through each course step by step.
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
