"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Allah has decreed proficiency in all things, so when you kill, kill well, and when you slaughter, slaughter well. Let one of you sharpen his blade and spare suffering to the animal he slaughters.'"
The Book of ad-Dahaya (Sacrifices) - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4412
"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Allah has decreed proficiency in all things, so when you kill, kill well, and when you slaughter, slaughter well. Let one of you sharpen his blade and spare suffering to the animal he slaughters.'"
Commentary on the Hadith
This noble hadith establishes the Islamic principle of ihsan (excellence) in all actions, particularly in matters involving taking life. The phrase "Allah has decreed proficiency in all things" indicates that excellence is a divine attribute that Muslims should emulate in their conduct.
The specific instruction regarding slaughtering teaches us that even when performing the permissible act of slaughtering animals for food, we must do so with compassion and skill. Sharpening the blade ensures a quick, clean cut that minimizes the animal's suffering, demonstrating Islam's concern for animal welfare.
Scholars explain that this hadith extends beyond physical slaughter to all aspects of life - our work, worship, and interactions should be performed with excellence and attention to detail, as this reflects our consciousness of Allah's perfection in creation.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This narration forms the foundation for Islamic guidelines on humane animal slaughter, requiring the use of sharp instruments and proper technique.
The prohibition against causing unnecessary suffering applies even to animals destined for consumption, reflecting Islam's comprehensive mercy.
Classical scholars derived from this that causing animals undue pain may render the slaughter disliked (makruh) or in cases of extreme cruelty, potentially impermissible.