Second: slaughtering in order to eat the meat. This is unobjectionable, for the animal is not being sacrificed as an act of devotion or veneration to anyone; it is killed only to meet a need—namely, consumption—and may also be slaughtered for the purpose of selling the meat. Third: slaughtering as an expression of happiness and joy, such as on the occasion of a marriage, moving into a new home, the arrival of someone long absent, and similar events where relatives are gathered. This, too, is permissible, because it involves no glorification of, or drawing near to, any being; it is merely a social celebration of a blessing received. Fourth: slaughtering with the intention of distributing the meat in charity to the poor, the needy, and those in hardship. This is considered a recommended practice (sunnah) and is included among acts of worship. (26) Nadhr (vow) is when a person binds himself to perform something that the Sharia did not originally obligate—such as vowing to fast or to give a specific amount in charity. Fulfilling the vow then becomes mandatory, in view of the Prophet’s saying: “Whoever makes a vow to obey Allah …”