Q: I am a Sudanese who has come to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to work. I reside in the south of the Kingdom, in the district of Abha Tuhamah. In this district, women slaughter the sheep and men eat from the meat of these sheep. By asking the scholars in this district whether it is permissible for a woman to slaughter, they have all answered that this is allowed, provided that the woman is Muslim and masters the method of slaughtering. Yet, I still have some doubts. I hope Your Eminence will tell me the ruling on the following:1. Is it permissible for a woman to slaughter an animal, whether it is a sheep or some other animal?2. Is it permissible for men to eat from the animals slaughtered by a Muslim woman? When is it permissible for a woman to slaughter?

A: It is permissible for a Muslim woman who is sane and discerning to slaughter camels, cows, sheep, and birds, whether there are men who can do so or not, and whether there is necessity for this or not, if she has mastered the method of slaughtering. It is also permissible for men to eat from the animals slaughtered by women. It was authentically reported that a slave girl owned by Ka`b ibn Malik slaughtered a sheep with a stone. Ka`b then asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about it, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) permitted it.The basic rule concerning the rulings of Shari`ah (Islamic law) is that they address men and women alike, (Part No. 22; Page No. 380) unless there is evidence that they particularly address one of them. Shari`ah includes no evidence that makes slaughtering particular for men, rather they are equal in this regard. You may find it odd, as you have not seen it in your country. It should be noted that it is a familiar act which has been unanimously agreed upon throughout the history of Islam.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.