Is this Hadith authentic?
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) commanded that the knives be sharpened [before slaughtering the animal] and that it be concealed from the animals, and he said ‘When you slaughter the animal, then hasten in the slaughter [to cause the least amount of pain to the animal].’”
Answer
Imams Ibn Majah and Ahmad (rahimahumallah) have recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) with a weak chain.
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3172, Musnad Ahmad, vol. 2 pg. 108. Refer: Zawaid Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1042)
However, the Hadith is well corroborated and suitable to quote. Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) has recorded the following supporting narration:
Sayyiduna Shaddad ibn Aws (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allah Ta’ala has enjoined kindness towards everything. So when you kill, then kill in a good way and when you slaughter, then slaughter in a good way. You should sharpen your knife and allow the animal to rest [and cool down after slaughtering].’”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1955)
See another Hadith on showing mercy to animals here.
Also see Targhib, vol. 2 pgs. 156-161
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar