Q: What is ruling on eating from the meat of an ox which is killed by cutting the medulla and scattering the brain before slaughtering it by a knife? Is such meat considered Halal (lawful) or Haram (prohibited) like carrion flesh of dead animals?

A: This is a general question that needs to be answered in detail. If the ox, or any similar animal, is subjected to strong blows to its neck and head until the medulla is cut, the brain is scattered, and the ox dies before it is slaughtered; the meat of such an ox will be Haram just like carrion flesh of dead animals. This is because in such a case the ox is not regarded as being slaughtered in the Shar`y (Islamic legal) way. However, if the ox is slaughtered in the Shar`y way after it is subjected to the blows which are mentioned above and before it dies; it will be considered Halal for Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says after mentioning animals which have been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow etc.: ...unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death) It may be worth mentioning that it is impermissible for a Muslim to beat the head, neck, etc. Of an animal before slaughtering it to cause the animal to fall and to be able to slaughter it. It is permissible to tie up the animal with ropes etc., to be able to slaughter it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.