Q 5: It is the habit of some tribes to slaughter camels during their festivals. Does this violate the Islamic 'Aqidah (creed)?
This requires a detailed explanation. If the camels are slaughtered out of hospitality for guests and to provide people with food, there is nothing wrong with this and it is permissible. However, if they slaughter them when meeting kings or dignitaries in order to glorify them, this is an act of Shirk; because these sacrifices are slaughtered to other than Allah (Exalted be He). This will fall under the Saying of Allah (Exalted be He), on which Allâh's Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). Slaughtering animals at graves to commemorate the generosity and bounty of the dead is an act of Jahiliyyah (preIslamic time of ignorance). This is unacceptable and impermissible because the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "There is no slaughtering (at the graves) in Islam."
If the slaughtering is meant to draw closer to the dwellers of the graves, this is an act of Shirk and likewise is the slaughtering that is done for Jinn and idols. All these deeds are acts of major Shirk from which we ask Allah (Exalted be He) to safeguard us.