The Sunday Mail
IT is amazing that as advanced as humankind think it is, we have not grasped the basic concept that when we refer to “humane” standards in animal slaughter, we must determine the standards of the animal and not of the one slaughtering.
It is proven beyond doubt that when the animal is slaughtered with a very sharp instrument and with a swift deep cut, it does not immediately “feel” any pain and loses consciousness almost instantaneously – hence it becomes a “painless” process!
It is like those who cut themselves with a razor while shaving – the razor is so sharp that almost always, they do not even realise that they have cut themselves until and unless they “see” the cut or blood in the mirror!
We find one testimony from Lord Horder who explained this type of slaughtering scientifically (and without the use of prior stunning): “The animal loses consciousness immediately. It is difficult to conceive a more painless and rapid mode of death; for a few seconds after the cut is made, the animal makes no movement, its body is then convulsed, the convulsive movements continue for about a minute and then cease.
“The interpretation of this fact is clear: the cut is made by a knife so sharp and so skillfully handled that a state of syncope with its associated unconsciousness follows instantaneously upon the severing of the blood pressure.
“The movement of the animal which begins at about 90 seconds are epileptiform in nature and are due to the blood-less state of the brain (cerebral ischemia with complete anoxaemia). Sensation has been abolished at the moment of the initial syncope.”
Any surgeon knows that sudden serious injuries are not felt at the time of infliction. Pain comes later. Structures beneath the skin, apart from isolated sensory nerve endings, are insensitive to the knife.
Two facts
There are two major facts which are indisputably established by the above:
(a) A big injury is not felt at the moment of infliction; and
(b) Cutting of big arteries in the throat instantly arrests circulation in the brain and abolishes consciousness.
Prof Charles Lovett Evans adds: “As anyone who has ever witnessed the act is well aware, the animal lies absolutely still the moment the vessels arc cut, and it is only a minute or so later that asphyxial convulsions set in. Consciousness we know is lost long before this.”
He goes on, “On physiological principles, it is clear that when such large vessels are severed the arterial blood pressure falls at once to a very low level, moreover the carotid arteries being severed, much of the blood supply to the brain is immediately lost and the result is immediate loss of consciousness. To consider that the animal suffers pain is in my opinion, quite absurd. I consider the method to be equal to any.”
Islam insists that not only is this manner of slaughter (“halaal”) indeed the most humane and least painful to the animal, but that the animal’s death can confidently be regarded as even more merciful than that inflicted on murderers by hanging.
Islam requires that meat for consumption be from an animal which has been correctly slaughtered and has not died due to sickness, concussion, stunning and so forth.
The meat must be drained of as much blood as possible.
Islam does not permit consumption of any blood – be it from humans or any creature. In fact, way before the advancements in science and medicine, over 1 400 years ago, Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) declared blood was the carrier of disease and must not be consumed under any circumstances.
There seems to be some misconception that Muslims conduct some kind of “ritual” slaughter and use the blood for special ceremonies and functions – that is totally fallacious.
Muslims will never consume blood and all blood drained from slaughtered animals is disposed of.
Another misconception is that Muslims use a “special” scalpel which is previously used for male circumcision to slaughter animals.
Yes, there are people pedaling this falsehood too!
When Islam declares “purity is half of faith” and requires the highest degree of cleanliness and hygiene in every aspect of one’s life, how would it in any way advocate such an absurd practice?
An open invitation is extended to anyone who would like to observe Muslims slaughter an animal for consumption – which is the only reason for slaughter anyway.
The greatest misconception of all is that Muslims pray to some heathen god or idol called “Allah” while slaughtering.
Quite the contrary, Muslims require the express permission of none other than The Supreme Sovereign, The Creator, God Almighty, before taking an animal’s life, and not the name of any other being or object!
The declaration of the name other objects, humans, fancy deities and so forth will in fact pollute the meat and render it unacceptable for consumption by Muslims.
“Allah” is Arabic for God Almighty, The One and Only who is Unique and has no comparison nor partner.
As we saw previously, by declaring the name of God Almighty, the slaughterer is reminded that he is accountable and responsible before The Almighty and is literally humbled so as not to think he has brute force over the creature. Furthermore, the animal is literally pacified by “hearing” the name of The Supreme Sovereign – its Creator – and it submits knowing that this is what it was created for.
Remember, the more frightened and tense the animal is prior to slaughter, the higher the level of adrenaline pumping through its system and thus the higher the level of toxins remaining in the flesh even after slaughter.
…to be continued
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
Publications Department
PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 04-614078/614004, Fax: 04-614003
e-mail: [email protected].
