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Controversy over Slaughtering of Animal

There are many controversies regarding slaughtering the animals. People across the globe have different beliefs and among those who are not aware of the reason why Islam has asked Muslims to slaughter animals, they curse Muslims for being cruel.

Is it cruelty to slaughter Animals in Halal way?

Islam is the most peaceful religion and in entire world, Islam is the only religion known for humanity and empathy. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H), who is the last messenger of Allah, was known for the kindest person towards animals also. Allah has also asked people to avoid cruel acts and those acts which could hurt or harm anyone.

There is a great hadith which is clearly explaining that how much Islam has emphasized on treating animals, humans, and every creature in good ways. Following is the hadith from Sahih Bukhari:

“Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself” [Hadith: Bukhari]

There is another hadith which is also particularly advising to treat animals in kind way and kindness towards animals is said equal to charity:

“There is none amongst the Muslims, who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or animals eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him” [Hadith: Bukhari]

All of the above mentioned hadiths state very clearly that cruelty towards not only animals but also towards any creature is strictly prohibited in Islam.

If Islam asks to be kind towards animals then why Muslims slaughter animals

Slaughtering animals on Eid-ul-Adha is the symbol of sacrifice which is also called as “Qurbaani”. 'Qurbaani' originates from the word 'Qurban' which comes from the word 'Qurb' meaning 'closeness'. The reason behind qurbaani is not to behave cruel towards animals but to show our love for Allah that we could make sacrifices in love of Creator.

In Islam, there are sacrifices for not only animals but for other things also which include; sacrifice for evil desires, sacrifice for money and wealth by spending in the name of Allah, etc. Thus, slaughtering animals is also a kind of sacrifice and it is not something cruel because by sacrificing animal in the name of Allah we confess our love for Allah that Muslims could follow any order given by Allah. Moreover, by sacrificing animal Muslims also feed poor people by giving them meat.

Meat is not affordable by everyone; this is why Allah has asked us to divide the meat and give a part of them to poor also. This is the kindest act which Islam has asked us to do. Then how Islam could be cruel when it is asking to divide the meat and eat equally. But Islam is taking care of every one in terms of health and emotions both.

Love for Allah

Allah loves His people more than love of 70 mothers and He is the Creator of the universe and all of us; then what stops people to love Allah above everything. Allah says in Quran in Surah Maida, verse 54:

“O believers! Whoever among you abandons their faith, Allah will replace them with others who love Him and are loved by Him. They will be humble with the believers but firm towards the disbelievers, struggling in the Way of Allah; fearing no blame from anyone. This is the favour of Allah. He grants it to whoever He wills. And Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing [5:54] ”.

Moreover, regarding sacrificing the animal, Allah has stated in Quran that meat or blood of animal is not something which Allah wants; rather it is the love, pity, and devotion which Allah sees.

As Allah says in Quran in chapter Al-Hajj, verse 37:

“Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to, and give good news to the good-doers” [22:37] .

Dream of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S)

Ibrahim (AS) had a dream in which he has been told to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS). Initially, he was really not sure it was true and thought the cursed demon was playing a joke on him. The next night, after having the dream, he realised it was a sign and an order from Allah (SWT).

After having this dream, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) talked about this to his son and his son has also agreed upon just because it is an order from Allah (the Creator).

Allah mentions the beautiful conversation between father and son, in chapter As-Saffat, verse 102:

“Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast” [37: 102]

Both father and son have not questioned that why Allah has given such order and they just followed in the love of Allah. When we love someone even in this world, we test the person that how much love the other person has for us. If the other person loves us, he or she try his/her best to pass the test to express the love. Similarly, in this world too, Allah tests some people to check their love for Him.

On that day as well, Allah has tested Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and his son’s love and both father and son tried their best to prove their love.

As Allah has mentioned in Quran in chapter As-Saffat, verse 106:

“That was truly a revealing test [37:106] .

Allah has further stated in next verse of same chapter that:

“And We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice” [37:107] .

The above verses state that it was a test and Allah was not intended to kill someone’s son. Islam is the peaceful religion and will remain forever. Then it is never possible that Islam carries any such law which violates the humanity or peace.

Allah tests people in different ways and Allah has explained everything in Quran so we may think the right and does the right; and also avoids the sins.