Jhatka is considered haram primarily because of the method used, which directly contradicts the principles of halal slaughter.
Understanding the Difference: Jhatka vs. Halal
To understand why jhatka is considered haram, it's important to distinguish it from the halal method of slaughter:
| Feature | Halal Slaughter | Jhatka Slaughter |
|---|---|---|
| Method | A swift, deep cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery, and trachea. | Decapitation in one single, swift blow, severing the spinal cord immediately. |
| Pain | The spinal nerve system remains intact, allowing the transmission of pain signals to the brain initially. The loss of consciousness occurs when blood loss deprives the brain of oxygen. | The spinal nerve system is immediately blocked, stopping pain signals from reaching the brain. |
| Consciousness | Consciousness is maintained briefly during the exsanguination process. | Consciousness ends immediately after the severance of spinal cord. |
Why Jhatka is Haram
The primary reason jhatka is deemed haram is the way it impacts the animal's nervous system:
- Immediate Blockage of the Nervous System: As the reference states, in jhatka, "it [the spinal nerve system] is immediately blocked." This direct severing of the spinal cord is seen as a less humane method as it does not allow for the natural process of blood draining. In contrast, halal slaughter involves cutting through the blood vessels in the neck, but not damaging the spinal cord, leading to blood draining out of the body.
- Pain Perception: While both methods aim for a quick death, the halal method allows the brain to register the loss of blood pressure and loss of blood, leading to unconsciousness. The jhatka method, by immediately severing the spinal cord, potentially prevents even this initial sensation of pain.
- Religious and Humane Concerns: According to Islamic teachings, animals should be treated with kindness and compassion, and the act of slaughter should be as painless and humane as possible. Therefore, the process of draining the animal's blood is very important as it reduces the chance of unnecessary suffering, which aligns with the principles of Halal.
In Summary
Jhatka is considered haram because its method of immediate decapitation severs the spinal cord, contrasting with the halal method which prioritizes the humane treatment of animals during slaughter by cutting the jugular vein and carotid artery, allowing the animal to lose consciousness through loss of blood.
