The principles of halal slaughter, known as “Dhabihah” in Arabic, are a set of guidelines outlined in Islamic law for the humane and permissible slaughter of animals for food. These guidelines ensure that the process meets religious standards while emphasizing animal welfare. 

Here are the key principles of halal slaughter:

1. Intention: The act of slaughter must be carried out with the intention of rendering the meat halal, meaning permissible according to Islamic law.
2. Eligibility of the Slaughterer: The person performing the slaughter should be a Muslim or, according to some interpretations, a practicing Jew or Christian, often referred to as “People of the Book.” The slaughterer must be of sound mind and have reached the age of maturity.
3. Invocation of Allah’s Name: Before performing the slaughter, the name of Allah must be invoked, typically by reciting “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest”). This invocation signifies the act as one of worship and gratitude and is essential for the meat to be considered halal.
4. Proper Technique: The animal must be slaughtered with a sharp knife to ensure a quick and clean cut. This cut should sever the trachea, esophagus, and major blood vessels in the neck, allowing for rapid blood loss and minimizing the animal’s suffering.
5. Animal Welfare: Islam places great emphasis on the humane treatment of animals. The animal must be treated with care and respect, provided with water, and should not see other animals being slaughtered. It should be handled gently to minimize stress.
6. Health and Condition: The animal must be healthy and free from any disease or defect at the time of slaughter. Additionally, the animal should not be dead prior to the slaughter.
7. Draining of Blood: The slaughtered animal should be hung upside down to allow for the complete drainage of blood. This is important as consuming blood is prohibited in Islam.
8. Prohibition of Certain Animals: Certain animals, such as pigs, carnivores, and those not slaughtered using the proper method, are considered haram (forbidden) and cannot be consumed.

These principles aim to ensure that the meat Muslims consume is not only lawful according to religious standards but is also prepared with consideration for ethical treatment of animals. Following these guidelines helps fulfill religious obligations while maintaining compassion and respect for living creatures.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.