CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • Maktab On Air
    Tuesday, 3:05 pm - 4:00 pm
    [ - ]

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


((( Listen Live )))))
Radio Islam Logo


Islamic Humane Slaughter – Part 4

The point raised that the slaughter of animals is cruelty is really not true.

Although there is a general agreement across each concept, the stark difference lies in the critical area of ending an animal’s life. Vegans and vegetarians do not accept the killing of animals for consumption, yet Islam makes provision for it. Due to the lack of agreement in this area, there have been multiple debates and discussions.

However, it is helpful to discuss this from a philosophical perspective to access the foundational truths present on each side.
The slaughter process itself is quite detailed and extensive. It takes time to learn the process, understand the rulings, and perfect the practice. Some of the conditions for the Islamic slaughter method are that the animal must be alive, healthy, fed clean foods, gently treated, and Allah’s name must be pronounced before its death, signifying that the taking of the life of an animal is serious. The slaughtering method should not be excessive, and it is ideal to only pass the knife over the animal 1 or 2 times. The animal should be spared from any unnecessary suffering.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“إن الله كتب الإحسان على كل شئ، فإذا قتلتم فأحسنوا القتلة وإذا ذبحتم فأحسنوا الذبحة، وليحد أحدكم شفرته وليرح ذبيحته”
“Verily Allah has prescribed Ihsan in all things. So if you kill, then kill well; and if you slaughter, then slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters” (Muslim)

Philosophically, Islam is a purpose-driven religion; actions are performed with purpose. So long as the purpose is within the confines of Allah’s word, and the act itself is according to His law, then the action is not punishable at least and is rewarded at best.

Allah has entrusted His earthly creation to human beings. Hence, the act of slaughter and consumption of animals is not in and of itself problematic. In fact, it is an act of worship for both the animal and the human being. The animal fulfils its purpose when milked, sheered for wool, skinned for tanning, or slaughtered and consumed. Just as an employee serves a function during their time fulfilling a role in a business setting.

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَخَّرَ لَكُم مَّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱلْفُلْكَ تَجْرِى فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ بِأَمْرِهِۦ وَيُمْسِكُ ٱلسَّمَآءَ أَن تَقَعَ عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦٓ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِٱلنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you whatever is in the earth as well as the ships ˹that˺ sail through the sea by His command? He keeps the sky from falling down on the earth except by His permission. Surely Allah is Ever Gracious and Most Merciful to humanity.” [Al Hajj 22: 65]

وَٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلْأَزْوَٰجَ كُلَّهَا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْفُلْكِ وَٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ مَا تَرْكَبُونَ
لِتَسْتَوُۥا۟ عَلَىٰ ظُهُورِهِۦ ثُمَّ تَذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَةَ رَبِّكُمْ إِذَا ٱسْتَوَيْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ وَتَقُولُوا۟ سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِى سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَـٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُۥ مُقْرِنِينَ
“And ˹He is the One˺ Who created all ˹things in˺ pairs, and made for you ships and animals to ride. So that you may sit firmly on their backs, and remember your Lord’s blessings once you are settled on them, saying, “Glory be to the One Who has subjected these for us, for we could have never done so (on our own)” [Az Zukhruf 43: 12, 13]

These verses from the Quran teach us that Allah, most high, created not only animals and plants for human beings, but he entrusted their utility to us due to our status over them. According to Islamic theology, human beings are the best of His creation. Because Allah honoured us, he created them to be utilized by us. To hold a position opposite to this is antithetical to the Islamic worldview, and it is against the Islamic way of life. Professed Muslims should not be swayed by contemporary ideologies that contradict our creed.

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

Supporting Elderly Without Family – Part 5

Supporting Elderly Without Family – Part 5

Community Responsibility Towards Elderly Quick Recap - Youth’s Duty Towards Elders Islam teaches that youth must honour, respect, and serve elders as part of their faith. The Prophet ﷺ said: “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and respect to our...

read more
Youth’s Duty Towards Elders – Part 4

Youth’s Duty Towards Elders – Part 4

Community Responsibility Towards Elders Quick Recap - Addressing the Needs of Elders in the Community Caring for elders is a central responsibility in Islam, emphasized in both the Qur’an and Sunnah. As people age, they face physical, emotional, and spiritual...

read more
Addressing the Needs of Elders – Part 3

Addressing the Needs of Elders – Part 3

Community Responsibility Towards Elders Quick Recap - Elders as a Source of Wisdom and Guidance In Islam, elders are far more than just recipients of care; they are invaluable living libraries of wisdom and guidance for the entire community. Their long lives, filled...

read more
A  Source of Wisdom and Guidance – Part 2

A Source of Wisdom and Guidance – Part 2

Community Responsibility Towards Elders Quick Recap - A Divine Command and a Global Commitment The International Day of Older Persons (October 1st) is a global initiative to honor elders and address the challenges of aging. For Muslims, this modern call to action...

read more
A Divine Command and a Global Commitment – Part 1

A Divine Command and a Global Commitment – Part 1

Community Responsibility Towards Elders A Divine Command and a Global Commitment October 1st - International Day of Older Persons Every year on October 1st, the world observes the International Day of Older Persons. Established by the United Nations in 1990, this day...

read more
The Quest for a World Without Nuclear Weapons – Part 5

The Quest for a World Without Nuclear Weapons – Part 5

Nuclear Weapons Quick Recap - who has nuclear weapons and the double standards Nine countries are known or believed to have nuclear weapons. The United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom are officially recognized under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

0 Comments