Slaughtering animals in a good manner

347

Q 1: Is anesthetizing animals before slaughter regarded as the kindness and mercy a Muslim is ordained to show animals they intend to slaughter?

A1: Islam has enjoined showing kindness and mercy to animals which Muslims intend to slaughter. This is based on the Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah has ordained kindness in everything. So, when you slaughter, do it in the best manner (i.e. by first sharpening the knife and putting the animal at ease)." A painless slaughter can take place by using a sharp instrument and (Part No. 22; Page No. 470) ending the animal's life by cutting the throat and the two jugular veins. It is not permissible to anesthetize the animal before slaughtering it as this may cause its death before it is slaughtered. If the animal remains alive after being anesthetized, it will be lawful to eat its meat after slaughtering it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.