A Reflection on the Jurisprudence of Anesthetizing Animals for Slaughter; The Effect of the Healthiness of Meat on Human Health in Jurisprudence
Journal of Pizhūhish dar dīn va Salāmat (i.e., Research on Religion & Health),
Vol. 11 No. 4 (2025),
7 January 2026
,
Page 107-122
https://doi.org/10.22037/jrrh.v11i4.43599
Abstract
Background and Objective: In addition to the emphasis in religious teachings on protecting the rights of animals, and observing the special rulings that are foreseen in Islamic jurisprudence regarding the slaughter of animals, today anesthetizing an animal for the purpose of slaughtering is a new method in many countries in the world. Considering the emerging nature of this issue, the question is whether, from a jurisprudential point of view, slaughtering using anesthesia methods is permissible or not.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-analytical approach. The required data were gathered through a review of library resources, including jurisprudential and legal books, as well as scientific articles indexed in reputable databases. Finally, the data were analyzed according to the research question and in line with the research objectives. The authors reported no conflicts of interest in the present study.
Results: It should be stated that it is not possible to rule in an absolute sense on the permissibility or impermissibility of anesthetizing an animal before slaughter, but the ruling varies according to the method of anesthesia. One of the important points is that it will not be possible to review this ruling without using veterinary studies and explaining the effects of anesthesia on the animal and its meat after slaughter.
Conclusion: If the use of anesthetic tools and methods leads to the death of the animal causing the animal to be considered dead (Maitah), it is definitely impermissible. Otherwise, considering the harm to the animal and the damage to the meat and to human health due to the anesthesia, this practice is considered as disapproved and permissible (neutral) in the general sense.
- Animal slaughter
- Animal anesthetization
- Dead (maitah)
- Life establishment
- Meat health
How to Cite
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