that, according to the verse, the slaughtered animal does not become lawful if the name of Allah is omitted—even when the one who performs the slaughter is a Muslim.” End quote.

Along with pronouncing the basmalah (saying, “In the name of Allah”), it is recommended to add the takbir (“Allahu akbar”).

There are also etiquettes to observe when slaughtering:
• It is disliked to use a dull instrument, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Let each of you sharpen his blade and relieve his animal.”
• It is disliked to sharpen the blade while the animal can see it, because the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, “ordered that the blades be sharpened and kept out of sight of the livestock,” a report recorded by Ahmad.
• It is disliked to turn the animal toward any direction other than the qiblah.
• It is disliked to break its neck or begin skinning it before the body has cooled.

The sunnah for camels is to pierce the throat while the animal is standing, its left foreleg bound; cattle and sheep should be laid on their left side for slaughter. Allah knows best.