Politics and Ritual Halal Slaughter

As part of the Islamic and halal economic initiatives, countries like Malaysia and Dubai could serve as ideal platforms for international conferences or summits to delve deeply into the complex issue of animal slaughter. This topic has generated confusion among Muslims due to the proliferation of certification bodies and misunderstanding among non-Muslims, much like the complexities surrounding Islamic finance. These issues have led to divisions and unwarranted accusations of halal funding extremism or being detrimental to consumers.

The act of invoking the Creator’s name in gratitude before consuming food is a common practice among all believers, with the only distinction being the timing. For instance, in halal slaughter, the Creator’s name, “Bismillahi Allahuakbar” (slaughtering with the name of Allah, who is the greatest of all), is invoked well before the food reaches the dinner table.

In contrast, Christianity observes the recitation of Grace at dinner tables, whether it’s during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family dinners. The Grace prayer often goes like this: “Bless, O Lord, this food {these gifts} to our use and us to thy loving service; and keep us ever mindful of the needs of others. Amen.” It is perplexing when those who recite Grace cannot grasp the significance of invoking the Almighty’s name by Muslims for the halal slaughter.

Given that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a net importer of various food products, including meat, chicken, lamb, etc., from countries like the US, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand, it is crucial to scrutinize the living conditions of the livestock upstream in the supply chain. Key implications revolve around whether these animals are part of infamous factory farming practices or if they are raised in humane conditions, such as being grass-fed or free-range, free from hormones and antibiotics.

It’s important to note that religious slaughter alone does not make meat halal if the animals have been raised in inhumane conditions and fed inappropriate diets. Leakage in the supply chain, whether at the midstream processing stage or during logistics (cross-contamination), can turn what was intended to be halal into haram (prohibited). This issue is equally significant for non-Muslims, as supply chain contamination can pose health risks from farm to dinner table.

Livestock that is raised in free-range or grass-fed conditions represents a more organic and ethical upbringing. The halal industry should place greater emphasis on this aspect of the story as it resonates with a wider audience. Notably, the majority (80%-90%) of the halal food supply chain is not owned or controlled by Muslims, meaning that the sale proceeds often flow to multinational food companies. Additionally, some of these companies may not be Shariah-compliant due to high debt ratios or a substantial percentage of revenue derived from impermissible sources, such as pork. This raises questions about the alleged financing of extremism.

The contentious issue of religious slaughter, particularly the perceived inhumane treatment of animals due to non-stunning, has sparked controversy in several countries, including Poland and Denmark, and has garnered attention from associations like the British Veterinary Association.

This presents an ideal opportunity to address these issues at an event where scientific evidence regarding the stress and anxiety levels (related to hormones) of animals during the various stages of handling before slaughter and at the point of non-stun slaughter and stun-slaughter can be presented. To enhance understanding, live demonstrations of halal (non-stun) slaughter and stun slaughter, with electrodes placed on the animals, could be viewed.

The halal meat resulting from these demonstrations could be served at a gala dinner or donated to charity, providing a unique educational experience, even though it may make some uncomfortable. Studies on stunning methods and their impact on animal pain can also be presented, along with discussions on viable alternatives like magnetic stunning.

Scientific evidence comparing the healthiness of halal slaughter versus non-halal slaughter could shed light on any potential differences. It’s essential to address issues related to blood drainage, as incomplete drainage can lead to health concerns, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in food production.

To reduce confusion, labeling could be implemented to indicate whether the animal was stunned or not, whether it was slaughtered by machine or hand, and whether the Creator’s name was invoked through machine recording or live human voice. This approach could help consumers make informed choices and may result in premium pricing for hand-slaughtered halal products, particularly with chickens, where efficiency concerns arise.

Interestingly, in the realm of food, rather than finance, Jews (Kosher) and Muslims (Halal) find common ground in countries like Poland, Denmark, the US, and the UK. For instance, during the debates surrounding the banning of religious slaughter in Poland and Denmark, both communities presented a unified front to government authorities, showcasing an interfaith aligned interest.

We stand at the brink of convergence on issues related to livestock treatment, prayer, slaughter, and traceability. The question remains: where is the dividing difference? This discussion offers an opportunity for progress and understanding, highlighting the importance of informed choices and responsible practices within the halal industry.