The Qurbani is one of the most significant acts of worship for Muslims. Its core philosophy is rooted in sacrifice, Taqwa (God-consciousness), and the cultivation of humanity for the sake of Allah`s pleasure. Just as Islam teaches mercy, compassion, and excellent character toward fellow humans, it mandates kind and gentle treatment of all living creatures. Particularly during the slaughter of sacrificial animals, Islamic law places immense importance on minimizing pain and ensuring the process is conducted with the utmost regard for the animal`s welfare.Animal welfare is an integral part of this faith-based practice.
Islam strictly forbids inflicting unnecessary pain on any creature. Actions such as handling, securing, and slaughtering should be performed with a technique that minimizes the animal’s suffering. (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1409; Musannaf Abdur Razzaq: 8609). As narrated by Shaddad ibn Aws (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) stated, "Allah has prescribed Ihsan (perfection/kindness) in all things... When you slaughter, slaughter well. You must sharpen your blade and give the animal comfort, not suffering." (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1409). This Hadith serves as a primary ethical guideline for believers.
The term Ihsan signifies performing an action with excellence and grace. Therefore, the Islamic requirement for the slaughtering process is to maintain compassion, gentleness, and humanity. Unfortunately, it is common to observe hasty attempts to skin the animal or cut its limbs while it still shows signs of life. Such actions inflict unnecessary and agonizing pain upon the animal, which is completely contrary to the teachings of Islam and basic human values.
Jurists have explicitly noted that skinning an animal before it is completely deceased is Makruh (disliked/reprehensible). Allama Mawsili (RA) highlighted this in Al-Ikhtiyar, emphasizing that such haste is a form of cruelty. While the meat remains lawful (Halal) even if this happens, the act itself remains ethically questionable because it disregards the animal`s ability to feel pain. Islam values both the external validity of worship and its internal beauty and decorum.
Kindness and compassionate behavior toward sacrificial animals are essential components of one`s faith. The Qurbani teaches us sacrifice, not cruelty; it teaches us mercy, not heartlessness. Our goal during these rites should be to ensure that no cruelty or unnecessary pain is inflicted at any stage of the process. May Allah accept our sacrifices and increase our capacity for mercy, Taqwa, and humanity.
