The use of electrical stunning prio...

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta

The use of electrical stunning prior to slaughtering poultry

Question

Is it permissible to use an electrical stunner when slaughtering live poultry at a voltage of 30 volts?

Answer

Medically and scientifically established methods used to subdue an animal prior to slaughter which lead to its death or to a state in which voluntary movement ceases, contradict the conditions of valid slaughter in Islamic jurisprudence and are therefore not permissible in Islamic law. However, such methods are permissible for use in restraining the animal prior to slaughter if their effects are limited to weakening the animal’s resistance or reducing its pain, such that it would return to normal life if left un-slaughtered. This is because such methods do not contradict the Islamic legal principles governing the slaughter of animals.

Based on this, the permissibility of consuming lawful poultry is not invalidated by electrical stunning, provided that it is limited to weakening the animal’s resistance, and the animal remains capable of voluntary movement.

And Allah Almighty knows best.

 

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