TMSupreme Anatomy of Mercy: A Scientific and Theological Defense of Islamic Slaughter

By: Dr. Huseyn Zakaria

In today’s world, where modern industries emphasize efficiency and claim to prioritize “humane” treatment to animals, many still look down on the ancient Islamic tradition of slaughter, known as Dhabīḥah for sheep, goats, cows, and similar animals, and Naḥr for camels, as outdated or cruel. Yet, when we examine the evidence closely and fairly, Islamic methods reveal a deep compassion that aligns remarkably well with what we now understand about animal pain, stress, and welfare. Far from being barbaric, these practices, revealed over 1,400 years ago, often provide a gentler, more precise path to death than all the contemporary industrial techniques.

Not long ago, I came across an older article shared on social media that sparked my curiosity, leading me to dig deeper into reliable sources, including classic Islamic texts and modern scientific studies. What I found strengthened my appreciation for this mercy-filled approach. Let us approach this topic with open hearts, learning together and giving thanks for the wisdom granted to Muslims since when the worldwas engulfedinutter ignorance.

It should be understood that Islam’s guidelines for slaughter stem from divine compassion, emphasizing Iḥsān (excellence and kindness) in every act, even when taking a life for sustenance. These rules come from the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the agreed-upon understandings of scholars across the major schools of law.

1. The Divine Call to Kindness (Iḥsān) and Remembering Allah: At its core, Islamic slaughter is about doing everything with care and perfection. The Prophet (pbuh) taught us, thus:

«إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَتَبَ الْإِحْسَانَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ فَإِذَا قَتَلْتُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا الْقِتْلَةَ وَإِذَا ذَبَحْتُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا الذِّبْحَ وَلْيُحِدَّ أَحَدُكُمْ شَفْرَتَهُ وَلْيُرِحْ ذَبِيحَتَهُ»

“Verily, Allah has prescribed excellence in everything. So when you kill, kill well; and when you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters.” (Sahih Muslim)

This means making the process as quick and painless as possible. It also includes saying: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar (In the name of Allah,  the Great), as the Qur’an instructs:

«فَكُلُوا مِمَّا ذُكِرَ اسْمُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ بِآيَاتِهِ مُؤْمِنِينَ»

“So eat of that upon which the name of Allah has been mentioned…” (Surah Al-An’am 6:118)

Scholars unanimously agree that this invocation must be sincere, and the animal should be alive and healthy at the moment of the cut.

2. How the Islamic Cut Compares to Modern Methods: A Gentle, Swift Transition: A sharp, precise cut severs the major blood vessels, causing rapid blood loss and a quick drop in brain pressure. This bypasses pain signals through the spinal cord’s natural “gate” mechanism. The classic 1978 study by Professors Wilhelm Schulze and Dr. Hazim at Hannover University (using EEG on sheep and calves) found that, when done properly, the first few seconds after the Islamic cut show no change in brain activity from before the incision, meaning no immediate pain, followed by deep unconsciousness within seconds, and interestingly, with no defensive reactions.

On the other hand, modern stunning which aims to achieve unconsciousness first, research shows it most instance falls short in achieving consistency, and can introduce its own type of suffering.

The following are the main modern methods and why they are frequently lagging behind the mercy of the traditional Islamic approach:

a. Captive Bolt Stunning (penetrating or non-penetrating): A metal bolt is fired into the skull. When it works perfectly, it induces unconsciousness, but when it misses or poorly  placed the outcome is very severe pain from skull fractures while the animal remains conscious or paralyzed. Studies (including most recent Schulze EEG research up to 2025) show failed or incomplete stuns in significant percentages of cases, especially in larger animals, leading to “nightmare paralysis”, pain without movement. This echoes the Qur’anic loud warning of prohibition of “al-mawqūdhah” (death by violent blow, Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3). Fortunately, Islamic cut since several centuries ago, avoids such wickedness by relying on a single, anatomically precise incision.

b. Electrical Stunning (head-only or head-to-body): in this so-called modern method, electric current is passed through the head or the body of the animal to cause seizures. Head-only can allow quick recovery if bleeding is delayed, that is to say in this type of method, the animal can regain awareness during the cut, and means mercilesness. While head-to-body often stops the heart prematurely only, thereby causing blood retention and poorer meat quality. Reviews (e.g., 2022–2025) indicate higher stress indicators and inconsistent unconsciousness compared to well-performed Islam’s Zabiha.

c. Gas Stunning (high CO2 or mixtures): In this method,  animals are allowed to breathe in gas chambers, leading them to unconsciousness through suffocation or acidosis. This is another terrible method that causes distress, gasping, panic, and breathlessness in the animals for up to say for 20–60 seconds or even more more in many instances, as CO2 irritates airways and creates “air hunger.” EFSA and other reports (2020–2025) highlight this as highly aversive, akin to the Qur’an forbidden “al-munkhaniqah” (strangling). In fact, Islamic slaughter achieves unconsciousness far faster without this prolonged fear.

d. Mechanical/Automated Systems: Conveyor lines and machines speed things up but often expose animals to others’ deaths, causing terror and adrenaline surges that taint the meat and unhealthy. In this method, cuts can be imprecise and simultaneous, and it is impossible to make the Tasmiyah (invocation) occur individually.

However, recent studies (2023–2025) comparing stunned and non-stunned Halāl methods show mixed results on stress markers (like cortisol), but consistently highlight that proper non-stunned slaughter can minimize pain when the cut is swift and skilled. Many Muslim authorities accept reversible stunning if it doesn’t kill the animal first, but the traditional method, rooted in Islam divine guidance, always proves superior in avoiding unnecessary trauma to the animals.

3. Special Mercy for Camels: The Wisdom of Naḥr: Camels, unlike cows and rams have protected vertebral arteries that keep the brain supplied even after a standard cut. Islam, in for this reason, specifically specifies Naḥr, a precise pierce, rather than normal cut, at the neck’s base (Waḥdah), targeting the brachiocephalic trunk for instant blackout. The Qur’an guides:

«فَاذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهَا صَوَافَّ»

“So mention the name of Allah over them…” (Surah Al-Hajj 22:36)

This anatomical insight, far ahead of its time, and until today, ensures rapid and unmatched mercy.

4. Keeping the Meat Pure, Clean and Wholesome (Ṭayyib):

By leaving the spinal cord intact, the vagus nerve triggers reflexes that pump out blood fully, removing toxins. The Prophet (pbuh) emphasized tempering every process with mercy and care for the animals until the end of the act.

5. Calming the Heart: Gentle Handling and Privacy: In Islam it is compulsory that animals are handled softly, shielded other animals from seeing others die, and should face the Qiblah (Ka’abah). The Prophet (pbuh) said to one sharpening his blade in front of animals view:

«أَتُرِيدُ أَنْ تُمِيتَهَا مَوْتَاتٍ؟»

“Do you wish to kill it multiple deaths?” (Al-Hakim). This prevents terror even for animals, and desensitizes humans too.

6. Waiting for True Death: No Rushing: Another bad practice which has gained popularity across nations and cultures, is the cutting or skinning before life has completely and fully departed, thereby avoiding any horror of awareness. Islam has sternly warned violaters and promises them punishment Hereafter.

Conclusion: In the end, how could a guidance from the 7th century anticipate modern neurobiology so well? The so-called animal right activists would ask. The answer to  their astonishing question is because the Islam law of slaughter comes from the Creator and Sustener of the animals who knows every creature’s needs. The Qur’an says:

《ان رحمتي وسعت كل شيء》

“Indeed, My mercy encompasses all things” (A’araf, 7:156)

This beautiful expanse of mercy which blends faith and science perfectly together invites reflection: Islam’s way is not just religious, it is profoundly humane that fits every time and space. May we honor it with gratitude and care.

Allah Knows Best!

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