Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
Is machine slaughtered chicken ḥalāl (permissible)?
Answer:
In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Most Kind
In order for chickens slaughtered by machine to be ḥalāl, the following conditions must be strictly met. If they are not met, the poultry will be considered non-ḥalāl:
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The machine operator and or slaughterer must be sane and Muslim, Jew or Christian.
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A blessing or recitation incorporating the name of Almighty God must be articulated by the above operator when pressing the button to turn the machine on.
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A blessing or recitation incorporating the name of Almighty God must be articulated by the same operator on each and every chicken that is being slaughtered.
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Chickens must be alive during the ritual slaughter.
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At least 3 of the 4 arteries must be severed (trachea, esophagus and two jugular veins).
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The slaughter-person who slaughters missed birds by the machine, must be a Muslim, Jew or Christian.
(See: Nawāzil Fiqhīyyah Al-Muʿāṣarah, Rasāil Ibn Nujaym, Mukhtaṣar Al-Ṭaḥāwī, Badāiʾ Al-Ṣanāiʾ, Al-Mughnīy)
One should note that in mass production, with machine slaughter, it can be difficult to meet the above conditions. Therefore, it is always best to opt for hand slaughtered ḥalāl that is certified by a trusted third party.
“So eat of that [meat] upon which the name of God has been mentioned, if you are believers in His verses.” (Qurʾān: 6:119)
“And do not eat of that upon which the name of God has not been mentioned, for indeed, it is grave disobedience.” (Qurʾān: 6:121)
“The food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them” (Qurʾān 5:5)
Allāh Knows Best
