This means, we should slaughter the animal acting upon the command of Allah Almighty, but it should be in such a way that there is still mercy and tenderness in our hearts when passing the blade over the animal’s throat.

Let it be that when the person passes the blade over the animal’s throat, his heart should soften with mercy and tears should fall from his eyes. In this way, the animal can be slaughtered whilst being shown mercy and kindness.

Once a Companion رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ mentioned, “O Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم! I slaughter a goat, whilst I feel compassion for it.” The Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “If you are merciful to the goat, Allah will be merciful to you.”^[1]

Regretfully, the situation these days is the opposite—people treat the sacrifice as a spectacle, watching the animal struggle. Some ignorant individuals even clap as they see the animal in pain. Nowadays, in the era of the internet and social media, people record videos of the poor animal’s suffering and make them go viral. May Allah Almighty grant us guidance! This is not a moment for amusement, but for shedding tears out of compassion. That animal is fortunate to be sacrificed in Allah Almighty’s name, and this is a time to admire its fate.

2) Do not slaughter one animal in front of another!

Dear Islamic brothers! Another way to show kindness during slaughter is to ensure that one animal is not sacrificed in front of another. Especially, never slaughter a child in front of its mother or vice versa.

3) Lead the animal gently for slaughter!

Another way to show mercy is to avoid dragging or pulling the animal harshly. Instead, take it to the place of slaughter with great gentleness. Abū SaꜤīd al-Khudrī رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ narrates how the Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم