What is the proper way to slaughter animals?

Question

Imam Malik ibn Anas · Accepted Answer

Imam Malik ruled that lawful slaughter (dhakat) requires: a Muslim or a person of the Book performing it, severing the windpipe and the two jugular veins with a sharp blade, and pronouncing the name of Allah at the time of slaughter. Game hunted with a trained dog or arrow is also lawful when Allah's name is pronounced upon release. Carrion, blood, and what is killed by strangulation or a blow are haram by Quran 5:3.

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen · Answer

The permissibility of consuming meat is conditional upon the method of slaughter, known as Dhakat. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen explains the conditions for a valid slaughter, which makes the meat halal.

The conditions are four:

1.  The one performing the slaughter must be of sound mind and be a Muslim or from the People of the Book (a Jew or a Christian). The slaughter of an idolater, apostate, or atheist is not permissible.

2.  The instrument used for slaughter must be sharp and capable of causing blood to flow, such as a knife. It is not permissible to use teeth or nails, based on the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

3.  The name of Allah (Tasmiyah) must be mentioned at the time of slaughter by saying "Bismillah." If the one slaughtering intentionally omits the name of Allah, the meat is haram. If he forgets, there is a difference of opinion among scholars, but the more cautious view is that it is still a necessary condition.

4.  The slaughter itself must involve cutting the throat (al-halq) and the esophagus (al-mari’), along with the two jugular veins (al-wadajayn). This ensures the quickest drainage of blood and death for the animal.

Regarding meat available in non-Muslim countries, if it is from the People of the Book, it is halal in principle. However, if it is known that they kill the animals by means inconsistent with Shari’ah, such as electrocution or strangling without a proper slaughter, then it becomes haram. Therefore, one must seek out meat that is certified halal by a trusted Islamic authority or, if slaughtering for oneself, ensure all the above conditions are met.

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What is the proper way to slaughter animals?

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