the author’s evidence is that the prohibition here is not specific to slaughtering. The prohibition against using usurped property is general. Accordingly, slaughter with an usurped instrument is valid, because the Sacred Law has not said, “Do not slaughter with an usurped instrument,” such that we could say that, if one does so, he has performed an act not sanctioned by the Sacred Law. Rather, the Sacred Law says: “Do not usurp people’s property, and do not use it for any purpose.” The prohibition is general; and since it is not specific, it does not invalidate the slaughter.
A comparable case is backbiting, which is prohibited for one who is fasting and one who is not. If a man backbites people while fasting, his fast is not invalidated, because the prohibition of backbiting is general, applying both during fasting and otherwise. Although, with regard to fasting, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever does not give up false speech, acting upon it, and ignorant conduct, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” (1) There is no doubt that backbiting is included in false speech.
Likewise, if someone prays in a usurped garment, the established school holds that his prayer is invalid. This creates an inconsistency in their position. The second view is that it is valid, because the prohibition is not against praying in a usurped garment; rather, it is against usurping the garment and using it. Thus, the prohibition is general.
His statement, “of iron or stone”: the word “of” clarifies that this applies to every sharp instrument—that is, whether the sharp instrument is made of iron or stone. Thus, if a stone is sharp and one passes it over the neck until it causes the blood to flow freely, slaughter with it is valid.
His statement, “or reed”: any reed that is sharp may be used for slaughter, even if