Jhatka, a method of slaughtering an animal with a single, swift decapitation, is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam primarily because it does not align with the Islamic method of dhabihah, which is considered the prescribed and humane way of slaughtering animals for consumption.
Reasons Jhatka Violates Islamic Principles:
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Method of Slaughter: Islamic law dictates a specific method of slaughter called dhabihah. This involves cutting the throat of the animal with a sharp knife, severing the jugular veins, carotid arteries, and trachea, while reciting a prayer. Jhatka contradicts this method as it involves severing the head in one blow, which isn't the dhabihah method.
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Invocation of Allah's Name: A crucial aspect of dhabihah is the recitation of "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah) before slaughtering the animal. This signifies that the animal is being sacrificed with the permission and in the name of God. Because Jhatka isn't practiced by Muslims, it isn't done according to Allah's name.
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Emphasis on Minimizing Suffering: Islamic teachings emphasize minimizing the animal's suffering during slaughter. Dhabihah aims for a quick and relatively painless death by swiftly cutting the major blood vessels. While proponents of Jhatka also claim it's quick, Islamic scholars argue that dhabihah, when performed correctly, is more humane according to Islamic principles and guidance.
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Quranic Basis: While the Quran does not explicitly mention Jhatka by name, verses related to permissible foods and the manner of slaughtering animals are interpreted by Islamic scholars to necessitate the dhabihah method. For instance, the Quran instructs Muslims to eat only that which Allah's name has been mentioned over (Quran 5:4).
Summary
In essence, Jhatka is considered haram because it doesn't adhere to the prescribed Islamic method of dhabihah, which includes specific requirements such as invoking Allah's name and ensuring a quick and humane death for the animal, all derived from interpretations of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
