Chapter 2 (1) HALAL SLAUGHTER

CHAPTER 2: HALAL SLAUGHTERING CONCEPT IN ISLAM

  • Prepared by: Mohamad Firdaus Mohamad Sabari, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Syahiran Abdul Latif

2.1: DEFINITIONS

  • Halal Slaughtering:

    • Halal (حلال): Arabic term meaning permissible, the opposite of haram (forbidden).

    • In Islamic terminology: Refers to actions that are permissible according to Shariah, including what is recommended (Mandub), permissible (Mubah), disliked (Makruh), and obligatory (Wajib).

    • Applies not only to food and drink but to daily life.

    • Islamic slaughter: The killing of an animal according to Islamic practices, requiring:

      • Animal must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter.

      • Must sever the trachea, oesophagus, carotid arteries, and jugular veins in one swift motion to minimize pain.

      • Blood must be drained from the carcass.

  • Key Requirements:

    • The animal must not be dead prior to slaughter.

    • The slaughter must be performed by a Muslim.

    • All flowing blood must be completely drained.

    • Modern methods must align with Islamic principles.

2.2: HALAL SLAUGHTERING LAWS

  • Derived from the Quran and Hadith.

  • Laws specify guidelines for halal slaughter to ensure meat is lawful, including:

    • Eligibility of the slaughterer

    • Conditions of the animal

    • Method of cutting

    • Slaughtering equipment.

2.3: HALAL SLAUGHTERING OBJECTIVE

  • Principles:

    • Compassion for the animal and food safety for the consumer.

    • Hadith of Prophet Muhammad emphasizes humane slaughtering practices.

  • Main Objectives:

    • Honourably kill the edible animal.

    • Completely drain the blood.

    • Purify the animal of blood and filth, ensuring quality and hygiene.

    • Maintain the finest quality of meat.

    • Worship (Al-'Ibadah) and obedience to Allah.

2.4: HALAL SLAUGHTERING PRINCIPLE

  • Prerequisites before slaughter include:

    • Animal must not be a forbidden substance.

    • Must be slaughtered by a sane adult Muslim.

    • God's name must be invoked during slaughter.

    • Quran (Surah al-Maidah 5:3) outlines forbidden practices.

2.5: PILLARS OF SLAUGHTER

  • Four essential pillars according to Shafi'i scholars:

    • Slaughterer

    • Animal

    • Tool

    • Act of slaughter

2.6: CONDITIONS OF THE SLAUGHTERER

  • Must be sane and capable.

  • Must be a Muslim or person of the Book (Jews and Christians).

    • Note on ancestry and acceptance of faith.

    • Individuals in a state of Ihram cannot engage in hunting.

  • Must invoke the name of Allah, ensuring not to dedicate the act to anyone other than Allah.

2.7: ANIMAL FOR SLAUGHTER

  • Not all animals require slaughtering.

  • Marine, bloodless animals, and locusts do not need to be slaughtered.

  • Prohibited: Pork, blood, carrion, all carnivorous animals, and birds of prey.

  • Conditions for the slaughtered animal:

    • Must be alive during slaughter, no imminent cause for death.

    • Must not belong to the sacred sanctuary.

2.8: TOOL OF SLAUGHTERING

  • Must use a cutting tool made of iron or rust-resistant material.

  • Prohibited tools include bones, nails, or teeth for slaughtering.

2.9: METHOD OF SLAUGHTERING

  • The method involves cutting specific veins (trachea, esophagus, and jugular veins).

  • Jurists have differing opinions on which veins must be severed:

    • Shafi’is and Hanbalis: windpipe and gullet, jugular veins recommended but not mandatory.

    • Abu Hanifah: Three of the four vessels must be cut.

    • Malikis: Windpipe and two jugular veins must be cut, half cuts are insufficient.

2.10: SLAUGHTERING PLACES

  • Slaughterhouses must be hygienic and accessible, situated away from residential areas.

  • Infrastructure should allow for proper sanitation and expansion.

2.11: HUNTING WITH A RETRIEVER

  • Specific rules for hunting with trained dogs, including invocation of Allah’s name prior to sending the dog.

  • The prey must die from the dog's wounds, ensuring proper timing of the hunter.

2.12: SUNAT IN HALAL SLAUGHTERING

  • Recommended Practices:

    • Recite Bismillahi Allahu Akbar.

    • Face the qiblah during slaughter.

    • Minimize animal suffering with a swift cut.

    • Specific practices for securing different animals.

2.13: MAKRUH IN HALAL SLAUGHTERING

  • Discouraged Practices:

    • Slaughtering an animal that can see another being slaughtered.

    • Skinning before dying.

    • Keeping the animal hungry or thirsty prior to slaughter.

    • Using blunt knives or sharpening in front of the animal.

2.14: BENEFITS OF HALAL SLAUGHTERING

  • Brings relief to the animal by ensuring quick death.

  • Ensures meat is free from bacteria and parasites due to blood drainage.

  • Allows for worship of Allah and adherence to His commands.

2.15: DOES THE ANIMAL FEEL PAIN WHEN SLAUGHTERING?

  • Research shows that the initial moments after an Islamic slaughter do not indicate pain, suggesting rapid onset of unconsciousness.

  • The process results in a significant blood drainage, leading to hygienic meat.