Dhabihah: The Islamic Way of Slaughtering Animals

As-salamu-alaykum, to all our lovely readers. Eid is a celebration with array of tray of foods like steamy mutton biryani, chicken kebabs, Lamb curry, Beef Shwarama, many other juicy meaty dishes. Is all kind of meat allowed? No, we are allowed to eat only Halal meat slaughtered accordingly Islamic Principles, Dhabihah. Scroll down below to know more about Halal meat.

What is Halal Meat?

Halal Meat is a meat that has been slaughtered in a specific way. The land animals intended for human consumption (Beef, Chicken, Lamb) be killed in certain manner called Dhabihah, also pronounced zabiha, the halal way of slaughtering the land animals as described in Islamic Sharia law are only Certified as Halal meat.

What is Dhabihah?

Dhabihah is a merciful way of slaughtering animal’s throat swiftly with a sharp knife, cuts off windpipe and blood vessels results in major blood loss while leaving the spinal cord intact. Due to rapid blood loss the animal die quick and humane. Addition to that swift and precise incision minimizes sufferings and pain of animal.

3-Principles of Dhabihah:

The core principle of Dhabihah, is rooted in adherence to the guidelines of Islamic sharia law comprising the three features

• 1. In the Name of Allah: The name of Allah (SWT), our creator is called upon at the time of slaughter, acknowledging His authority and expressing gratitude for the provision of sustenance with the message “ we should be grateful for creator for providing food”.
• 2. Niyyah: Niyyah refers to “intentions in the heart”. Before the act of slaughter, one must have the intention to perform Dhabihah solely for the sake of Allah.
• 3. Proper Tools: The knife used for slaughtering must be sharp to ensure a swift and humane process.

Also read about:

• What is Halal Food Dietary Practices – Islamic Way of Eating
• Science behind Halal Meat Healthier Choice
• Difference Between Halal Meat and Regular Meat

What Quran says about Dhabihah?

The Surah Al-An’am (6:121) states the importance of mindful eating and advises the believers to eat only that food that has been blessed by our creator in below verse:

Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3) promotes purity of the foods. Provides the list of food that were prohibited includes dead animals, blood, pork, animals sacrificed to idols and also animals killed in inhumane way as we believe in compassion.

Hadiths addressing the sayings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH

Hadiths in our websites were taken down from Sahih Muslim, regarded as one of the most authentic collection of sayings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj al-Naysaburi is an elaborated version of Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3) provides detailed information breaking down into guidelines for dietary laws and a righteous lifestyle in accordance with holy Quran. Some of the important narrations by Jabir bin ‘Abdullah, (1955 & 1978) were given below;

Dhabihah is not merely Islamic ritualistic act of killing but a demonstration of obedience to the teachings of Islam, emphasizing compassion and gratitude towards animals which were being consumed. By saying Bismillah, adhering to the prescribed method of slaughter and in the name of Allah, Muslims ensure that the consumption of meat is not only permissible but also spiritually nourishing. The Quranic verses and the Hadiths, gives the importance of humane treatment towards the animals and mindfulness in food consumption. Halal is a way of guiding believers towards a lifestyle rooted in faith and respect for all living creatures.

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