Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badāt
Question:
I was told that the meat of an animal slaughtered by a woman or child is not permissible. I would like to seek clarification on this matter. Your help is appreciated.
Answer:
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
In response to your concern, kindly note the following:
The dhabh (ritual slaughter) administered by a believing woman or child is acceptable and the meat obtained from such an animal would be permissible for consumption, provided all requirements for the ritual slaughter are completed (such as taking the name of Allāh, severing the required arteries etc.).
It is reported on the strength of Ka’ab Ibn Mālik (may Allāh be pleased with him) that a woman slaughtered a sheep with a [sharp knife like] stone. The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) was asked regarding it. He advised to eat it. (Bukhārī)
In some versions of the above narration, it is stated that it was a ‘young girl’ or ‘maid girl’ (Bukhārī)
The great Islamic jurist Imam Ibrāhim Al Nakhae’ī (may Allāh be pleased with her) declared, “There is no objection in the slaughter administered by a woman or child with the condition that they are proficient in the slaughter and safeguard the recital of tasmiyyah (ritual blessing during the slaughter)”. (Fatḥ Al Bārī)
Imam Ibn Al Qudāmah (may Allāh’s mercy be with him) stated, “It would be permissible to consume the flesh of the slaughtered animal of any one who is able to skillfully administer the slaughter from amongst the believers; whether man, woman, mature, minor, free or slave. We are not aware of any difference of opinion in this matter”. (Al Mughnī, I’ilā Al Sunan)
And Allāh Knows Best