There are two characteristics that I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Allah has decreed that everything should be done in a good way, so when you kill use a good method. The version of the narrators other than Muslim says: "So kill in a good manner." And when you slaughter, you should use a good method, for one of you should sharpen his knife, and give the animal as little pain as possible.
Hadith Commentary: The Excellence of Proper Slaughtering
This noble hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud 2815 contains profound guidance regarding the Islamic etiquette of slaughtering animals. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) establishes that excellence (ihsan) must permeate all actions, including those involving taking life.
The Principle of Ihsan in All Matters
"Allah has decreed that everything should be done in a good way" establishes the universal Islamic principle that believers must seek perfection and excellence in all permissible actions. This reflects the divine attribute of perfection and demands that Muslims manifest beauty and excellence in their deeds.
The scholars explain that ihsan means performing acts with proficiency, care, and attention to detail, recognizing that Allah watches over all our actions. This transforms mundane activities into acts of worship when performed with this consciousness.
The Specific Injunction Regarding Slaughtering
"When you slaughter, you should use a good method" refers to the Islamic method known as dhabh. The scholars specify that this involves cutting the throat, esophagus, and jugular veins while leaving the spinal cord intact, ensuring rapid blood drainage and minimal suffering.
The instruction to "sharpen your knife" demonstrates the practical application of mercy. A sharp blade ensures a swift, clean cut, while a dull instrument causes unnecessary pain and suffering to the animal.
"Give the animal as little pain as possible" embodies the Islamic ethic of compassion toward all living creatures. The animal should not see the knife being sharpened, nor should it witness another animal being slaughtered. It should be handled gently and provided water before slaughter.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
Classical jurists derived from this hadith that proper slaughtering is not merely recommended but obligatory for the validity of the sacrifice. Failure to observe these etiquettes may render the meat unlawful (haram) to consume.
The spiritual dimension teaches that how we treat Allah's creation reflects our relationship with the Creator. Mercy toward animals becomes a means of attaining divine mercy, while cruelty invites divine displeasure.
Contemporary Application
In modern contexts, this hadith provides guidance for halal slaughterhouses, emphasizing the need for proper training, sharp instruments, and humane handling throughout the process. The principles extend to all forms of animal treatment in Islam.
This teaching exemplifies the balanced Islamic approach that permits necessary acts like slaughtering while infusing them with compassion and excellence, transforming practical necessities into acts of worship through proper intention and execution.