Dhabihah is the specific method of slaughtering animals prescribed by Islamic law (Shariah) to make the meat permissible (halal) for consumption by Muslims. It is considered more humane than some other methods for several reasons, both from an Islamic ethical perspective and from the viewpoint of animal welfare.

Key Steps in Dhabihah

Invocation of God’s name

Before the slaughter, the person performing the act must invoke the name of Allah by saying “Bismillah” (“In the name of God”) and “Allahu Akbar” (“God is the Greatest”). This is done to acknowledge that life is sacred and to seek God’s blessing for the act of taking the animal’s life.

Cutting method

The animal’s throat, windpipe (trachea), and the two blood vessels in the neck (jugular veins) must be swiftly cut with a sharp knife. This ensures a quick and humane death while allowing the blood to drain from the body.

Drainage of blood

The blood must be fully drained from the veins after the cut. The Quran specifically forbids the consumption of blood, so this step is crucial to ensuring the meat is halal.

Animal welfare

Islamic law emphasises the humane treatment of animals. The animal should be healthy at the time of slaughter, and it should not see the knife before the slaughter. It should also not witness the slaughter of other animals, to minimise stress and suffering.

Eligible animals

Not all animals can be slaughtered using dhabihah. The animals must be among those that are permissible (halal) to eat in Islam, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry. Pork, for example, is forbidden entirely.

Ethical and religious significance

Ethical slaughter

The method is intended to be as humane as possible, minimising pain and suffering to the animal.

Religious compliance

For Muslims, consuming meat that has not been slaughtered according to dhabihah is considered haram (forbidden). The process ensures that the act of eating is in compliance with Islamic principles.

Why dhabihah is considered more humane

Minimisation of pain

The method of cutting the throat, windpipe, and blood vessels in one swift motion with a sharp knife ensures that the animal experiences a rapid loss of consciousness due to the sudden drop in blood pressure to the brain. This reduces the likelihood of prolonged suffering. The quick cut and the immediate draining of blood also minimise pain, as the nerve endings are quickly severed, preventing the animal from experiencing prolonged distress.

No stunning required

Unlike some methods that involve stunning the animal before slaughter, which can sometimes fail and result in the animal being conscious during the process, dhabihah aims to avoid this risk altogether. The direct cut ensures that the animal is rendered insensible to pain almost immediately, which some argue is more reliable than stunning, especially if stunning is not properly administered.

Stress reduction

Islamic teachings emphasise that animals should be treated with kindness and should not see the blade before slaughter or witness the slaughter of other animals. This reduces stress and anxiety in the animal, which is significant because stress can lead to the release of adrenaline and other chemicals that could affect the quality of the meat and cause the animal unnecessary suffering.

Respect for life

The invocation of God’s name before the slaughter serves as a reminder of the sanctity of life and the ethical responsibility of humans towards animals. This spiritual dimension ensures that the act is not done carelessly or without consideration, promoting a sense of accountability and compassion.

Scientific support

Some studies have suggested that the rapid loss of blood pressure due to the method used in dhabihah may lead to a quicker loss of consciousness compared to other methods where animals might experience a longer period of distress. While there is ongoing debate and differing opinions on the subject, some researchers and veterinarians recognise the potential benefits of the swift, clean cut used in dhabihah.

Comparisons with other methods

Stunning and mechanical slaughter

In conventional slaughter methods, animals are often stunned before being killed, either through electric shock, captive bolt pistols, or gas. While these methods are designed to render the animal unconscious and reduce pain, there can be failures where the animal regains consciousness or is not fully stunned. Additionally, the mechanical nature of these methods can sometimes lead to less humane outcomes if not properly managed.

Kosher slaughter

Similar to dhabihah, kosher slaughter in Judaism also involves cutting the throat in a specific way. However, the religious and procedural differences are distinct between the two practices. Both methods share the goal of minimising pain and distress, though they follow different religious guidelines.

Conclusion

Dhabihah is considered humane in Islamic practice because it focuses on minimising the animal’s suffering, reducing stress, and ensuring a swift, respectful death. The method’s emphasis on using a sharp knife, the quick and effective severing of major blood vessels, and the religious considerations all contribute to its reputation as a humane approach to slaughter.