moment is precisely when the animal’s life is taken.

2 – The basmalah is obligatory as long as the slaughterer remembers to say it; if he omits it out of forgetfulness, the meat is still lawful. This is the view of the majority of scholars, including the three leading Imams: Mālik, Abū Ḥanīfah, and Aḥmad.

Al-Shāfiʿī, however, regards the basmalah as a confirmed sunnah; whether it is left out intentionally or by mistake, no sin is incurred. The details of this disagreement will follow, Allah willing.

3 – The hadith also establishes the recommendation of mentioning Allah’s name before eating.

Al-Bukhārī (5376) and Muslim (2022) record that ʿUmar ibn Abī Salamah said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said to me, “Young man, pronounce the name of Allah, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is directly in front of you.”

Sharḥ al-Iqnāʿ states: “It is recommended to say the basmalah over food and drink, saying: ‘In the name of Allah.’”

Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn added: “If one includes ‘the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,’ that is better and more complete—unlike slaughter, where it is not appropriate. If he forgets to say the basmalah at the start of eating or drinking, then remembers, he should say: ‘In the name of Allah, at its beginning and its end.’”

4 – The mursal report found in Abū Dāwūd, even if deemed usable as evidence, must be understood as applying to the forgetful person, for it cannot override the authentic narrations that oblige the basmalah. Allah knows best.

Scholarly disagreement:

The jurists differ over the ruling on pronouncing the basmalah during slaughter, holding three opinions:

First: It is unconditionally obligatory and is never waived, whether omitted deliberately or forgetfully. This is the position of the Ẓāhirīs and was earlier held by Ibn ʿUmar, al-Shaʿbī, and Ibn Sīrīn.

Second: It is obligatory when one remembers and is excused when forgotten; this is the view of