The scholars differed as to whether their slaughter must be like that of the Muslims, or whether whatever they regard as slaughter and ritual slaughter is valid, even if it is not carried out in the manner of the Muslims. There are two views:

The first—and this is the view of the majority—is that the blood must be made to flow; that is, the slaughter of a Jew or Christian must cause the blood to flow, just as this is required in the slaughter of a Muslim.

The second is a position in the school of Imam Malik: whatever they consider ritual slaughter is valid ritual slaughter, even if it is done by strangulation, due to the generality of Allah’s saying: “The food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you.” This is considered food according to them, and is therefore lawful.

However, our response to this is that His saying, “The food of those who were given the Scripture,” is general and is qualified by the saying of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him: “Eat of whatever causes the blood to flow and over which Allah’s name has been mentioned.” (1) If causing the blood to flow is a condition for the slaughter of a Muslim—who is better than a Jew or a Christian—then it is even more fitting that it be a condition for the slaughter of a Jew or a Christian. This is the correct view.

But must we ascertain that a Jew or Christian slaughtered the animal in this manner? The answer is: this is not required.

Must we ascertain that he mentioned Allah’s name over it? The answer is no. The evidence for this is what al-Bukhari narrated from Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her: “Some people asked the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, saying, ‘O Messenger of Allah, some people bring us meat, and we do not know whether they mentioned Allah’s name over it or not.’ He said, ‘Mention Allah’s name yourselves and eat.’” She said: “They had only recently left disbelief.” (2) And one who has only recently left