Q 3: What is the ruling on eating the meat of an animal whose slaughtering was not preceded by Tasmiyah (saying: "Bismillah Allahu akbar" (in the Name of Allah. Allah is Great)? What is the evidence?

A: It is lawful to eat the meat of this animal according to the most famous opinion held by Imam Ahmad's Madh-hab (School of Jurisprudence). (Part No. 22; Page No. 495) The same view is reported from Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both). Also, the same view was held by Malik, Al-Thawry, Abu Hanifah, `Ata', Tawus, Sa`id ibn Al-Musayyib, Al-Hasan, `Abdul-Rahman ibn Abu Layla, Ja`far ibn Muhammad, and Rabi`ah. This is the opinion of Ibn `Abbas, and none of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) is reported to have held a different view. As for the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) which reads: Eat not (O believers) of that (meat) on which Allâh’s Name has not been pronounced (at the time of the slaughtering of the animal) it is explained in the context of intentionally neglecting to say the Tasmiyah. This is supported by the next words of the same Ayah which provides: ...for sure it is Fisq (a sin and disobedience of Allâh). Eating the meat of the animal whose slaughter is not preceded by Tasmiyah is not considered as Fisq.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.