that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Indeed Allah has decreed Ihsan in everything. So when you kill, then do the killing well, and when you slaughter, then do the slaughtering well. Let one of you sharpen his blade, and let him comfort his animal (before slaughtering)."
The Book on Blood Money - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1409
Textual Analysis
The Prophet (ﷺ) begins with the foundational principle: "Indeed Allah has decreed Ihsan in everything." Ihsan signifies excellence, perfection, and beautiful execution in all matters, indicating this is a universal Islamic principle.
"When you kill, then do the killing well" refers to legal executions (qisas) where swiftness and minimal suffering are required, contrasting with the pre-Islamic practice of torturous killings.
"When you slaughter, then do the slaughtering well" emphasizes proper dhabihah method, ensuring the animal's swift death and compliance with Islamic slaughter regulations.
Practical Implementation
"Let one of you sharpen his blade" ensures the instrument is sharp enough to sever major blood vessels quickly, minimizing the animal's pain and suffering during slaughter.
"Let him comfort his animal" requires gentle treatment before slaughter - providing water, not sharpening the blade in its sight, and positioning it comfortably facing the qiblah when possible.
Legal and Ethical Dimensions
This hadith establishes that mercy and compassion are integral to Islamic law, even in matters of killing and slaughter. The requirement of ihsan transforms necessary acts into worship when performed with excellence and consciousness of Allah's commandments.
Scholars derive from this that causing unnecessary suffering to any living creature is prohibited (haram), while showing kindness to animals is rewarded. The principles extend beyond slaughter to all interactions with creation.