Slaughtering in a place where animals are slaughtered for other than Allah

Q: On slaughtering a sacrificial animal, some people turn their sacrifice to the direction of the west. They may also slaughter at places where other people slaughter their sacrifices for other than Allah. Is it permissible for us to eat from the meat of their sacrifices?

A: Slaughtering an animal is an act of worship that must be devoted sincerely for the Sake of Allah Alone. It is not permissible to slaughter an animal for other than Allah, or in places where others slaughter their animals for other than Allah. Therefore, Allah prohibits eating from the meat of the animals slaughtered on Nusub (stone-altars) even if Allah's Name has been mentioned before slaughtering them. Also, Allah forbids the believers to do this, as Nusub were stone-altars round the Ka`bah where the Arabs used to slaughter their animals for other than Allah. Subsequently, it is not permissible for the believer to slaughter animals in the places where other people slaughter theirs for other than Allah. This implies acting like them and, you may be influenced by their false beliefs. The meat of the sacrifices slaughtered at these places (Part No. 1; Page No. 67) is unlawful and it is not permissible for you to eat from it.You must slaughter the sacrificial animal in a place where no one slaughters for other than Allah or commits prohibited acts. The slaughtering should be done solely for the Sake of Allah Alone and you should mention the Name of Allah before this. It is Mustahab (desirable) for one to face Qiblah (Ka`bah-direction faced in Prayer) and turn the sacrifice towards the Qiblah because it is the noblest direction. It is Mustahab to face the Qiblah when offering an act of worship, unless there is proof otherwise. It is highly Mustahab (desirable) to face the Qiblah while slaughtering a Hady (sacrificial animal offered by pilgrims) or Ud-hiyah (sacrificial animal offered by non-pilgrims). It is reported from `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Offer sacrifices (for the sake of Allah) willingly. Every Muslim that directs his sacrificial animal towards the Ka`bah, its blood, excretions, and wool shall be converted into good deeds in his account on the Day of Judgment. He also used to say, Spend a few of your money and you will take a great reward. This Hadith is narrated by `Abdul-Razzaq in his book, Musannaf `Abdul-Razzaq, vol.4, p. 388, and Al-Tirmidhy, Ibn Majah, and Al-Bayhaqy reported the like of it. This Hadith, even if scholars of Hadith say its Sanad (chain of narrators) is weak, can be acted upon in issues of good deeds. It supports the previously mentioned proofs. Therefore, Ibn `Umar and Ibn Sirin see that it is Makruh (disliked) to eat from the meat of the sacrifice that is turned to a direction other than the Qiblah. If one just mentions Allah's Name while the sacrifice is not turned towards Qiblah, one leaves the preferable practice but the act will be acceptable. This view is adopted by Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad, Al-Nakh`y, Al-Thawry, Ibn Al-Mundhir, and others. (Part No. 1; Page No. 68) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.