Shaddad b. Aus reported God’s messenger as saying, “God who is blessed and exalted has decreed that everything should be done in a good way, so when you kill use a good method, and when you cut an animal’s throat you should use a good method, for each of you should sharpen his knife and give the animal as little pain as possible.” Muslim transmitted it.
The Excellence of Ihsān in Slaughtering
This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the divine principle of Ihsān (excellence and perfection) in all matters, particularly in the act of slaughtering animals. The phrase "God has decreed that everything should be done in a good way" indicates that excellence is not merely recommended but divinely mandated across all aspects of a Muslim's life.
Scholarly Commentary on Slaughtering Etiquette
The command to "sharpen his knife" demonstrates the importance of preparation and proper tools. Scholars explain that a sharp knife ensures a swift, clean cut that minimizes the animal's suffering, while a dull blade causes unnecessary pain and violates the spirit of mercy that Islam emphasizes.
"Give the animal as little pain as possible" reflects the comprehensive Islamic ethic of animal welfare. Classical commentators like Imam Nawawi emphasized that this includes not sharpening the knife in front of the animal, ensuring the animal is well-rested and fed before slaughter, and positioning it comfortably facing the Qibla.
Legal and Spiritual Dimensions
This hadith establishes that proper slaughtering is not merely about technical validity (sahīh) but encompasses spiritual excellence (mustahabb). While the minimum requirements for halal slaughter are well-known, this tradition elevates the practice to an act of worship characterized by compassion and mindfulness of God's creation.
The repetition of "good method" emphasizes that the means are as important as the ends in Islamic law. The animal's life is taken as a trust from God, and the method of taking it must reflect the dignity and mercy inherent in Islamic teachings.