As-salāmu ‘alaykum.
If a Muslim sacrifices a goat or sheep, but forgets to say “Allāhu akbar” during the act, does the animal become harām? If he remembers later and says “Allāhu akbar,” will that make it halāl?
Please clarify. Jazākum Allāh khayran.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāh wa-barakātuh.
It is necessary to slaughter with the name of Allah (tasmiyah). The proper words for the tasmiyah are “bismillāhi Allāhu akbar,” although “bismillāh” would suffice, as well.
If a Muslim forgets to say the tasmiyah at the time of slaughtering, then the animal is still halāl. He does not need to say the words afterward.
However, if he/she leaves it out intentionally, then the animal will not be halāl.
(فإن ترك التسمية ناسيا حل) لأن في تحريمه حرجا عظيما لأن الإنسان قلما يخلو عن النسيان فكان في اعتباره حرج
(الاختيار، كتاب الذبائح: 5/426؛ عرابي)
And Allah knows best.
Muftī Abrar Mirza
Chicago, IL (USA)
Under the Supervision of Muftī Ebrahim Desai (South Africa)
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