Is Zebra Halal? What You Need To Know

Halal is an Arabic term that refers to food that is permissible for Muslims to consume according to Islamic law. As the world becomes more diverse and globalized, people of all backgrounds are becoming interested in understanding the guidelines for halal food.

One animal that come under scrutiny is the zebra, is zebra halal?. In this blog post, we will explore the question of whether or not zebras are considered halal according to Islamic law, and what factors are taken into consideration when determining the halal status of the meat.

Is Zebra Halal?

Yes, zebra meat is halal. The majority of scholars are of the view that horse meat is permissible. However, it should be slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.

The Correct Method of Slaughtering Animals in Islam

According to Islamic law, the Arabic word for the ritual of slaughtering animals is known as Dhabihah, which essentially deems the slaughtered meat as ‘halal’ or permissible to eat.

It is applicable on the slaughter of lawful (halal) animals like chicken, sheep, goat, cow etc., and becomes null and void on the slaughter of unlawful animals like pigs, dogs, cats etc.

The method of zabihah is governed by a set of strict rules which need to be followed.

1. The slaughter needs to be carried out by a Muslim or Ahlul Kitab

Only a Muslim or someone who is Ahlul Kitab (people of the Book), can carry out the task for the meat to be deemed halal.

2. Start by reciting Allah’s (SWT) name

The first step is to recite the name of Allah (SWT). This is to take Allah’s (SWT) permission and to carry out the slaughter under His name and His name only; the slaughter cannot be made under the name of any other deity.

3. Slaughter the animal with a sharp knife (sharp cutting tool)

The animal must be sacrificed with a sharp knife in order to minimize the pain and it must be done quickly. A blunt knife will only prolong the whole ordeal, causing more pain to the animal.

4. Directly pierce the throat, windpipe and blood vessels of the animal

The person must place the knife directly over the throat and windpipe of the animal and make the cut as precisely as possible, cutting off all the blood vessels but not the spinal cord itself (cutting the spinal cord can damage the nerve fibers which can cause the animal to go into cardiac arrest, stagnating the blood).

This causes the animal to die quickly and with minimal pain.

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5. Drain the blood

All the blood needs to be drained from the body before the head of the animal is removed. This is to purify the animal’s body of any type of bacteria, toxins or germs that may reside in the blood of the animal, which can lead to different types of illnesses.

The Dhabihah method of slaughter is perhaps the most humane and merciful way of slaughtering animals, minimizing the pain and suffering of the living animal as much as possible.

Only Allah (SWT), the Creator, the Wisest, could have deemed it to be so.