Slaughtering an Animal in Sadaqah

We could not locate any narration which states that Sadaqah is discharged by slaughtering an animal, and thereafter, giving the meat in charity. However, it should be borne in mind that Sadaqah in Shari’ah means, to give something for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala to the poor and needy. This can be done by either giving the cash, or buying meat and handing it over to the poor. It is not necessary to slaughter an animal.

Maulana Thanwi Rahimahullah has written that many people are under the impression that Sadaqah is only discharged by slaughtering an animal and distributing the meat amongst the poor. They further state that, ‘a life is in lieu of a life,’ whereas Shari‘ah oes not permit such a belief. Many people believe that calamities are removed by slaughtering animals which is Haraam. [Re: Fataawa Qaasmiyyah Pg.387 Vol.11].