Dhabihah

Dhabihah is the Islamic method of slaughtering animals for consumption. It is a specific ritualistic process that must be followed to ensure the meat is considered halal, or permissible under Islamic law. The process involves a swift, deep incision to the throat of the animal using a very sharp knife. This incision severs the trachea, esophagus, and major blood vessels in the neck, leading to rapid blood loss and death.

Key elements of dhabihah include the use of a sharp knife, which is believed to minimize pain to the animal by cutting through the neck quickly. The slaughterer must be a responsible adult Muslim who recites the name of Allah (Bismillah) immediately before the slaughter. The animal must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter, and it must be slaughtered in a humane manner, avoiding unnecessary suffering. The method aims to drain as much blood as possible from the carcass.

The purpose of dhabihah is not only religious but also considered by practitioners to be a humane method of slaughter. It is a fundamental aspect of Islamic dietary laws and is observed by Muslims worldwide. The specific requirements and interpretations of dhabihah can vary slightly among different Islamic schools of thought.