Method of ritual slaughtering (ZIBH) in Islam

According to the Islamic Law (Shariah) unless the Halaal (Lawful) animals are slaughtered ritually, their meat does not become Halaal for Muslims. The method of slaughtering , in Islam, is based on certain clear guidelines found in the Holy Quran, the Sunnah and the traditions practised by the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), which may be summarised as follows.

1. All animals to be slaughtered must be the ones permitted for consumption under the Islamic law for example cow, sheep, lamb, goat, ram, deer, rabbit, poultry.
2. Slaughtering must be performed manually by a mature Muslim who fully understands the fundamentals and conditions relating to slaughtering according to the Islamic Law.
3. At the time of slaughtering the name of Allah must be invoked by saying:
   Bismillah - Allahu Akber
   (I begin (the slaughtering) in the name of Allah - Allah is the Greatest)
4. If at the time of slaughtering the name or names of someone other than Allah is invoked, the meat becomes Haraam (Unlawful).
5. If a Muslim, by mistake, forgets to invoke the name of Allah at the time of slaughtering, the meat will remain Halaal.
6. If someone knowingly does not invoke the name of Allah at the time of slaughtering, the meat becomes Haraam.
7. The animal should be slaughtered using a very sharp knife, penetrating the throat of the animal.
8. Windpipe, food-tract and two jugular veins should be cut, preferably in one stroke.
9. The blood of the slaughtered animal must be drained as completely as possible.
10. The neck of the animal should not be disjoined during slaughtering intentionally, even the knife should not go deep into the spinal marrow.
11. Slaughtering from the back of the neck is not allowed in Islam.
12. Animals should be killed in a comfortable way. Brutality and unnecessary suffering to them must be avoided according to the Islamic Law.

For further information contact The Muslim Food Board (UK)