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.