Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem
Allahumma salli alaasayyidinaa Muhammadin wabaarik wasallim
MECHANICAL SLAUGHTERING OF ANIMALS AND CHICKEN
Mechanical slaughtering or machine slaughtering is a process whereby people are able to slaughter larger numbers of chickens and other permissible animals, and at the same time, fulfilling the Theological requirements necessary for rendering the meat halaal.
The increase in demand for halaal meat, and the need to supply larger amounts of poultry and other permissible animals in our global village, creates the opportunity for Muslim Theologians and the technically qualified people to work together, to enhance the capability of enabling Muslims to benefit from modern technology in meat production; and at the same time, conforming to the requirements of Shariah.
Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why Allah the All Knowing and Wise Creator, directs Muslims to ensure that there must always be a group of Scholars engaged in research, so that the Muslims will be able to use modern technology in carrying out their daily chores without compromising the Theological requirements of this Perfect Way of Life. Allah says:
A contingent from every expedition should devote themselves to the study of Religion in order to be able to properly admonish the people. (9:122)[i]
HALAAL REQUIREMENTS:
In order for the meat of any permissible animal to be considered halaal, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
- The animal must be lawful
- The slaughterer must be a Muslim or one from the People of the Book (Christian & Jews)
- At the time of slaughtering the name of Allah must be taken
- The animal must not be subjected to undue pain and suffering
- At least three vessels must be cut, including the oesophagus, trachea, jugular vein
- The blood must be allowed to flow freely
MECHANICAL SLAUGHTERING OF CHICKEN:
The use of mechanical blades connected to a reliable electrical supply, can make it easy for many more chicken to be properly slaughtered in the shortest possible time. This greatly enhances mass production.
The basic requirements for making the chicken halaal cannot be compromised. There are some differences regarding the taking the name of Allah at the time of slaughtering, when using the mechanical blade. However, it is agreed by many respected and reputable Organisations and Scholars that: It is sufficient for the machine operator to say “Bismillah” when switching it on, and that it must be repeated after any pause.
MENTIONING THE NAME OF ALLAH:
The use of mechanical slaughtering is often accompanied by the use of recordings of the dua to be recited at the time of slaughter. Majlistt holds that the use of such recordings is not acceptable for the chickens to be considered Halaal.
TRANSPARENCY:
Majlistt advises that all companies who do mechanical slaughtering of chickens, make arrangements so that the scholars recognized by them can have unannounced visits to ensure that they comply with the Theological requirements.
CONCLUSION:
The majority of the Majlistt agrees that companies supplying halaal meat can use mechanical slaughtering, provided that its use meets the required conditions and does not compromise the Theological requirements.
Allah knows best.
Insight on the go, download the PDF, Issue 3 – Mechanical Slaughtering 2016 Academia