Assalamualikum
Dear Mufti,
RE SANHA
I apologize for using your website to pose questions to a 3rd party (SANHA).
However, I have posed most of these questions previously (via email and via the Q&A section of SANHAs website) to SANHA in the near past and SANHA have by and large kicked the ball into touch, or have given superficial answers or in most cases completely neglected to even answer the questions that I posed that I am of the view are most pertinent to the Halaal certification of the poultry in question. None of my previously asked questions have been posted on SANHAs website despite SANHAs website being the initial medium i used in posing the questions.
Hence i urge SANHA once again to answer the questions below and to post same on SANHA’s website and in so doing allow the Muslim Community of South Africa that SANHA represents to receive the Full Accountability and Transparency that SANHA claims to provide.
The following has been emailed to SANHA on the 11th December 2010 and I wait in anticipation for a detailed response from SANAH (addressing each question directly and individually:-
—– Original Message —–
From: Ahmed Laher
To: Public Relations ; [email protected]
Cc: [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; The Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa M.U.S.A ; samuslims.co.za ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; Mufti Elias
Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2010 10:14 AM
Subject: OPEN REQUEST FOR SANHA TO POST ATTACHED DOCUMENT ON SANHA’S WEBSITE (UNEDITED) AND FOR SANHA TO RESPOND INDIVIDUALLY AND DIRECTLY TO EACH QUESTION
Assalamualaikum
Dear Mr EBI Lockhat
cc Maulana Navlakhi
OPEN REQUEST TO SANHA TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS BELOW (TO EACH QUESTION INDIVIDUALLY & DIRECTLY) RE THE POULTRY THAT SANHA CERTIFIES AS HALAAL AND TO RESPOND TO OTHER QUESTIONS RELATED TO SANHAs BUSINESS
Submitted by Ahmed Laher (by email)
Email: [email protected]
Date: 9TH December 2010
Re: Halaal certification granted by SANHA to large commercial poultry plants (and other Halaal related issues)
Since SANHA is (or claims to be) a NGO that is representing the Muslim community of South Africa and since “SANHA is the ONLY Halaal certifying organization that provides full accountability and transparency to the Consumer” (quotations direct from SANHAs website representations) This is an Open Request for SANHA to provide full accountability and to answer the following questions and educate the general public on SANHAs stance on various issues that are very pertinent to the consumers of the poultry certified as Halaal by SANHA:
Background:
I have been monitoring the raging debate that has brewed over the past few years on the issue of SANHA (and other Halaal certification organizations) declaring the mass slaughtered commercial poultry (emanating from the likes of Rainbow, Early Bird etc) as Halaal.
I have read with interest both sides of the story and I am of the view that SANHA (amongst other certifying bodies) has a lot of questions to answer and owes especially the Muslim (and for that matter Non-Muslim) public a detailed explanation and direct and straightforward answers to the questions below that I have posed. This is especially so as it seems as though there are a number of irregularities that are condoned in the issuing of Halaal certificates that are in conflict with Islamic Shariah and that are in conflict with ordained Islamic Methods and that are in conflict with basic animal rights and that are in conflict with basic human rights and that are conflict with the way human beings must necessarily conduct themselves (humane methods, humane systems, dignity) in the treatment of any animal.
I also confirm that I am not aligned to nor affiliated with any organization or body and am asking these questions in my personal capacity. I also hasten to add that as I am exposed to a large spectrum of the Muslim community from all walks of life I have found that the questions that I have are at the very tip of many consumers tongues and that the public at large deserves a direct, specific and detailed public response from SANHA. (I state my non alignment to any organization or body as SANHA often automatically assumes that any perceived criticism of its systems and certifications stems from De Deur and/or The Majlis or that it stems from some sort of conspiracy theory).
I must add at this point that I have posed most of these questions previously (via email and via the Q&A section of SANHAs website) to SANHA in the near past and SANHA in its responses has by and large kicked the ball into touch or given superficial answers or in most cases completely neglected to even answer the questions that I posed that I am of the view are most pertinent to the Halaal certification of the poultry in question.
Admittedly, SANHA has invited me to meet with and discuss my questions with their Theological Director to avoid a trial by correspondence which I am happy to do but due to my schedule currently I am not in a position to schedule such meeting in the very near future. Nevertheless, I am also of the view that my questions are very basic, are straightforward and are very relevant and that SANHA should be in a position to give the public answers and proper explanations to the questions and not hide behind the guise of wanting to avoid a trial by correspondence(and to do this swiftly as the answers to my questions should be elementary to SANHAs Theological department). The intelligence of the general public should not be underestimated, as if SANHA addresses my questions individually and sticks to answering the questions directly then the public will absorb the information and if a trial by correspondence arises due the public needing to be further enlightened then SANHA as a organization that ultimately derives its income from the pockets of the public should indulge the public and answer any further queries that the public has. I remind SANHA that, SANHA claims to be representing the Muslim community of South Africa on all matters pertaining to the general application of the term Halaal with specific reference to Islamic dietary laws and that SANHA further preaches the following; Pass on all information to as wide a circle as possible. I urge SANHA to practice what it preaches and to actually live by the doctrine of its own utterances.
(I have also requested to SANHA that the questions that I posed to SANHA be loaded onto their website Q&A section as this is the forum that I first used in raising the majority of my queries.
However SANHA has chosen not to post any of my questions posed on their website to date for reasons best known to SANHA.
Perhaps the questions are too controversial and too probing for an organization that is supposed to provide full accountability and transparency to the Consumer” and would get the public to think twice before consuming SANHA certified products?)
My Questions are as follows (listed in no particular order of importance or priority):
(I once again urge SANHA to individually answer each question below directly rather then to issue ambiguous and lengthy narrative on general issues)
Question 1
Re: The Islamic Shariah system of thabah
From my very basic and laymans understanding the Islamic method of Thabah/Slaughter would entail the following (and these are not an all encompassing list but are some of the very basic and essential tenants):
Islamic Method
1.Knife not to be sharpened in front of animal
2.Birds must not see another being slaughtered
3.Birds must face Qibla
4.Tasmiyah to be verbally recited (audibly for each and every bird being slaughtered)
5.Birds to be taken to death with dignity (appropriate restraining method etc)
6.Birds to be treated humanely (no stunning etc)
7.Birds to be slaughtered with ease & given water to drink before thabah
8.Birds must necessarily be Healthy and disease free
9.Good overall hygiene standards
10.4 vessels to be cut (minimum 3)
UN-Islamic Method
1.Knife sharpened in front of animal
2.Birds slaughtered in full view of the other animals (to the extent that blood spurts from one slaughtered animal to others around it)
3.Birds face any direction (total neglect in ensuring that birds face Qibla when slaughtered)
4.Tasmiyah not prerequisite (on the basis that Tasmiyah is in all Muslims hearts or just being ignored or forgotten on a repeated basis!)
5.Birds dragged & shackled up-side down on mega conveyor belts at high speed
6.Poultry stunned / electrocuted
7.Poultry slaughtered in motion at fast speed
8.Birds from the time they are born to the time they are put to their unceremonious death are a product of cruelty that extends throughout their 36 day to 40 day lifespan (live their entire lives in very confined space, fed massive doses of antibiotics and growth stimulants, literally live in and eat their own filth and feaces, broken bones / bruises/ blisters are a norm, feet rotting from the exposure to feaces and the resulting ammonia burns, etc etc .These are just the tip of the iceberg).
Can the birds actually be Healthy and disease free??
9.Before removing any impurities from inside the stomach, poultry immersed into very hot filthy water to facilitate the feather peeling process.
10.Less then 3 vessels being cut
(If any of the points listed above under both Islamic and Non-Islamic methods are incorrect then please excuse me as I write as a layman and not as an Aalim or a Mufti or a Theological Director and I will be happy if the relevant points are corrected)
Question 1.1
Is SANHA of the view that that the Islamic method of slaughter detailed above is a correct method?
(Are all ten points correct?)
Are there any other necessary or important points that may have been overlooked?)
Question 1.2
Does SANHA regard any of the points listed under Islamic Method (above) as menial or trivial or just not important?
Question 1.3
What is SANHAs view of the UN-Islamic method of slaughter detailed above?
Question 1.4
The 10 points listed under Un-Islamic method are they correctly stated as Un-Islamic practices?
Question 1.5
Are these (the UN-Islamic methods listed above) practices that go against the grain of Rasullulahs (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) teachings?
Question 1.6
Is SANHA of the view that Muslims must necessarily refrain from all the Un-Islamic method listed above?)
Question 1.7
In the large poultry plants that SANHA certifies Halaal (Rainbow, Earlybird etc), is the system of Thabah FULLY in keeping with the Islamic Method or in keeping with the UN-Islamic method (as detailed above) or is the system in keeping with a little of both (some aspects in line with the Islamic Method and some in line with the UN-Islamic Method)?
Question 1.8
In the event that the poultry certified as Halaal by SANHA is more in keeping with the UN-Islamic method above (or even if certain aspects are in keeping with the UN-Islamic method above) then what exactly is SANHA doing to ensure that the chicken plants conform to proper Shariah compliance so that the Halaal certification is actually worth the paper it is written on and that the poultry certified as Halaal are done so properly and entirely in line with Islamic methods?
Question 1.9
Or, is SANHA of the view that no more needs to be done for the plants to conform to proper Shariah compliance as SANHAs system is perfect?
Question 1.10
If the answer to 1.5 above is that more needs to be done to conform to Shariah compliance then what exactly are the aspects that SANHA has in mind that SANHA is addressing? That SANHA needs to address? And how is SANHA addressing these?
(And why has SANHA not addressed these decades back already?)
Question 1.11
Which Mazhab does SANHA follow / prescribe to? (Hanafi? Shafi? Maliki? Hambali?)
Question 2
Re Facing Qibla when slaughtering
SANHA is on record to have recently stated (with regards to the poultry that it certifies):
SANHA has not taken a survey to determine whether plants slaughter areas are Qibla facing or not and therefore cannot comment on this. However, whilst facing the Qibla is a desirable act, in terms of the Shariah inability/failure to do so does not render slaughtered animal/birds Haraam
(The above was stated in an email to me by SANHA on the 21st October 2010 by SANHAs EBI Lockhat)
The above begs the following comments and questions:
Question 2.1
It is rather obvious and can most definitely be inferred from SANHAs official statement above that SANHA places either no importance or at best very little importance on the fact that animals (poultry especially) need to be facing the Qibla when slaughtered. The extent of SANHAs nonchalance on this issue is summed up by SANHAs statement that SANHA has not taken a survey to determine whether plants slaughter areas are Qibla facing or not (this in SANHAs own words).
By stating that SANHA has not taken a survey i think it is fair to assume that SANHA does not even know whether their Halaal certified poultry face Qibla when slaughtered and does not even take cognizance of this very important requirement. This is despite the fact that SANHA has been certifying these poultry for years now.
It actually boggles the mind to have been informed by SANHA that SANHA has not even bothered to determine whether the plants slaughter areas are Qibla facing or not, despite the fact that hundreds of millions of birds have passed through SANHAs hands over the years and been certified Halaal!
For purposes of clarity I repeat SANHAs EBI Lockhats narrative to me:
SANHA has not taken a survey to determine whether plants slaughter areas are Qibla facing or not and therefore cannot comment on this. However, whilst facing the Qibla is a desirable act, in terms of the Shariah inability/failure to do so does not render slaughtered animal/birds Haraam
My question is:
Why this senseless, cavalier and reckless neglect of this very important aspect of slaughtering?
Question 2.2
Now Ulema are of the view that in a plant/s where mass slaughter takes place and on a continuous basis, day after day, month after month and year after year, and where the issue of the slaughtered poultry facing the Qibla is totally ignored and totally dispensed with then such poultry will be Makrooh and that this is a highly detested act.
Is SANHA also of the view that continuous neglect and unnecessary failure of slaughtered animals facing the Qibla whilst being slaughtered on a mass scale throughout a lengthy period of time is a detested act and that the birds will be deemed Makrooh? Or is SANHA of the view that it is ok just one of those things
(PS. Some Ulema are even of the view that such an act renders the bird Haraam)
Question 2.3
SANHA states that whilst facing the Qibla is a desirable act, in terms of the Shariah inability/failure to do so does not render slaughtered animal/birds Haraam.
My question to SANHA is do you have an inability to ensure that your slaughterers have the birds face Qibla whilst slaughtering?
Or
Does SANHA simply fail (is there a failure) to take this necessary step of ensuring that the birds face the Qibla whilst being slaughtered?
(I am trying to ascertain if there is an inability here, and if so why? Or a failure,and if so why?)
Question 2.4
Does SANHA actually believe that all chicken that are slaughtered should be facing the Qibla when slaughtered?
Question 2.5
2.5 (a)
If yes (to 2.4 above), what is SANHAs understanding? Why and on what basis must the chicken be slaughtered whilst facing the Qibla?
2.5 (b)
If no (to 2.4), again why and on what basis must poultry be slaughtered on a continuous basis in the millions year after year and not be facing the Qibla?
Question 2.6
What is SANHAs view of the following comments (2.6-A &2.6- B)?
2.6-A) It is incumbent for all chickens to face the Qiblah when being
slaughtered. This is a Sunnatul Muqqadah requisite. It is not
permissible to abandon it (especially purposely).
2.6-B) In terms of Rasulullah’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)
instruction, it is necessary to face the animals towards the Qiblah.
The fact that it is a command of Allah Ta’ala should be sufficient to
convince a Muslim of its imperative importance. Sahaabah would abstain
from eating the meat of an animal which had been slaughtered while
it was not facing the Qiblah.
Question 3
Re: Stunning
Almost all (or ALL) the commercially slaughtered chicken (that are certified Halaal by SANHA) are stunned prior to slaughter.
My research, purely from a layman?�?�?�s perspective shows that Stunning (prior to slaughtering) is highly detested by respected Ulema around the globe (past and present) and by respected non Muslim Western Scientists as well and that Senior Ulema and Pious Predecessors have, across the board, ruled against this practice.
I have posed the question to SANHA in the recent past asking SANHA what alternatives are SANHA looking at (instead of stunning)?
SANHAs response to this question was:-
SANHA acknowledges the different viewpoints on the position of stunning but are of the view that controlled stunning in commercial abattoirs may be considered.
Senior Ulema and pious predecessors have laid down the rules for acceptance of commercial slaughter based on their interpretation of public need decades prior to the formation of SANHA.
I had also recently asked SANHA if SANHA could guarantee that each and every stunned bird is still alive (after stunning) and prior to slaughtering?
SANHAs response to this question was:-
Where controlled stunning is applied, the stun is of a reversible nature and such bird will not die as a result thereof. If however, there are birds which may have died either pre or post stunning, such birds are removed from the line and disposed of accordingly.
(SANHAs above responses were emailed to me on the 21st October 2010 by SANHAs EBI Lockhat)
Based on SANHAs responses and stance on stunning I make the following comments and ask SANHA to respond to the following questions:
Question 3.1
SANHAs comment above insinuates that Senior Ulema and Pious Predecessors have condonedor deemed acceptable the act of stunning (of poultry prior to slaughter) and SANHA says that Senior Ulema and Pious Predecessors have laid down their rules for acceptance of commercial slaughter decades back.
My question here to SANHA is to please enlighten the public on exactly which Senior Ulema and exactly which Pious Predecessors have deemed acceptable the act of stunning of poultry prior to slaughter (and please give some references in this regard so that we may review the Ulema?�?�?�s and the Predecessors rulings 1st hand)?
To clarify my question further;
SANHA states that it is SANHAs view that that controlled stunning in commercial abattoirs may be considered.
On exactly which Senior Ulemas and Pious Predecessors authority (or Fatwa, or advises) have SANHA subscribed to the view of accepting stunning?
Question 3.2
Can SANHA provide some Shariah evidence of SANHAs contention of acceptability of stunning?
Or to be a little more clear, can SANHA provide some Shariah evidence that there is room for the fact that controlled stunning in commercial abattoirs may be considered
Question 3.3
I further ask SANHA to enlighten the public on which Senior Ulema and which Pious Predecessors have and had laid down the rules for acceptance of commercial slaughter of poultry in the manner that SANHA certifies Halaal now or decades back (and please give some references in this regard so that we may review the Ulemas and the Predecessors detailed rulings that ratify, or that rubber stampexactly the systems and procedures of commercial chicken slaughter that SANHA certifies Halaal)?
Question 3.4
Can SANHA produce even one single Ulema who can categorically state that:
It is permissible to slaughter without facing the direction of the Qiblah (the way SANHA does and condones).
It is permissible to stun pre slaughter (the way SANHA does and condones)
It is permissible to immerse the chickens in scalding water (the way SANHA does and condones)
It is permissible to hang the chickens upside down and slaughter in
motion on a tremendously fast-moving conveyor belt (the way SANHA does and condones)
It is permissible to plunge the slaughtered chickens into the
filthy, feaces and blood filled scalding water (sometimes while there are still
signs of life in the chickens) (the way SANHA does and condones)
(Id really be surprised to see even just one recognized senior Ulema comes forth and condones any of the above acts!- which SANHA obviously considers acceptable)
Question 3.5
I have researched (to the best of my ability the Fatwas of Senior Ulema and Pious predecessors on this stunning issue and I have found that ALL the Senior Ulema and Pious predecessors (whose Fatwas and comments I have access to) seem to be unanimous in ruling against stunning and (at best) detesting the stunning of animals (especially Poultry) prior to slaughtering.
(I am only in a position to research English medium Fatwa and commentary Hence I will not know if any Senior Ulema or Pious Predecessors in Urdu or Arabic medium have accepted and ratified the stunning of poultry prior to slaughter. I do doubt that such ratification exists though.)
Essentially I am saying that (from my research) I have confirmed that current Pious and well respected Senior Ulema of today and of yester-year have very strongly ruled against the stunning process.
I quote below a recent Fatwa issued by Mufti Taqi Usmani on the stunning issue which in a nutshell spells out the evils of stunning (pre slaughter) and the obvious negative consequences:
– (for those who are not aware, Mufti Taqi is a very learned Aalim of international repute and standing)
Mufti Taqi Usmani concluded his Fatwa with the following ruling:
Due to these reasons, it is not correct in terms of Shariah to render an animal unconscious before slaughter.
His Fatwa (the full text) is as follows:-
The practice of rendering animals unconscious before slaughtering, which is carried out in different ways, consists of a number of undesirable and objectionable elements, for example:
a. If this act is such that it causes the animal to lose all its senses and consciousness completely, then there is a risk that it will have caused the animals death before slaughter, especially if the animal was weak or ill.
b. If this act is such that it does not cause the animal to lose all its senses and consciousness completely (such as a mild electrical shock that merely immobilizes the animal), then there is a strong possibility that the animals pain and suffering will have been unnecessarily increased, since the pain of slaughter remains due to its not being unconscious, and the pain and stress of the electrical shock will have been administered additionally without any need.
c. If this act makes the animal weak (compared to its normal and natural condition), and at the time of slaughter the animal is not at its full physical strength, then there is a risk that this will cause a reduction in the amount of blood that will flow from it at the time of slaughter, compared to what might have flowed in the case of the animal being fully conscious and In full possession of its senses and physical strength, and to undertake such a course of action deliberately is to oppose and counter a Shari requirement of slaughter (i.e. the discharge of flowing blood).
d. If the amount of blood discharged is reduced due to the animals weakness, then there is a risk that the remaining (non-discharged) blood will be absorbed into the meat of the animal, and this is an undesirable outcome both from a medical point of view and also according to Shariah.
e. If the person undertaking this way of slaughter believes it to be a less stressful and painful method than the prescribed Shari manner, then this is tantamount to believing an invented method to be superior to a revealed one, and it means that the person believes the revealed method of slaughter to be painful and cruel, which is close to disbelief .
(Ref: Imdadul-Fatawa, Vol. 3, P. 605-8 and Ahkamuz-zaba-ih, P. 55-6)
Due to these reasons, it is not correct in terms of Shariah to render an animal unconscious before slaughter.
(The above by Mufti Taqi Usmani, also ratified and endorsed by several senior Ulema at Darul Ifta Karachi).
I have found further (translated) quotes authentically attributed to Hakimul-Ummah Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi Alaih) who used the words evil innovation, corruption of faith and against Shariah to describe this practice (of stunning).
Also refer to Imdaadul Fataawa Page 406 Vol.3 for further proofs of Hakimul Ummahs ruling of impermissibility of Stunning.
[SANHA seems to have a habit of calling for proof of a Fatwa or of quoted text from sources, hence below please find Mufti Taqi Usmanis details from whom SANHA can personally verify his Fatwa and from whom SANHA can obtain countless other references to Senior Ulema and Pious Predecessors ruling against stunning in any form:
The above Fatwa of Mufti Taqi Usmani, who is undoubted a brilliant Aalim of repute and standing, can be checked and confirmed with him. His contact details are:
Personal email: [email protected]
Contact No’s for Mufti Taqi at Darul Uloom Karachi (best to call Mufti between 12h00 and 13h00): 011-9221-5043499, 011-9221-5042705, 011-9221-5040923)
Mufti Taqi will also comment on Hakimul-Ummah Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi Alaih)s comments and point you to the written proofs of such comments. Mufti Taqi will also detail to you the views of his illustrious father Mufti Mohamed Shafi as well as other illustrious Aalims from whom he has 1st hand heard of their utter detest of this non Shariah act of stunning]
I have also read extensively some of Darul Uloom Deobands works and Darul Uloom Karachis works all of which concur with Mufti Taqis Fatwa and Hakimul-Ummah Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi Alaihs views and rulings that the act of stunning is against Shariah (refer to Fatwas issued by the Ifta departments of these Darul Ulooms).
In light of SANHAs comment and I once again quote your EBI Lockhat;
SANHA acknowledges the different viewpoints on the position of stunning but are of the view that controlled stunning in commercial abattoirs may be considered.
Senior Ulema and pious predecessors have laid down the rules for acceptance of commercial slaughter based on their interpretation of public need decades prior to the formation of SANHA.
Now my question to SANHA is:
I am really keen on hearing from SANHA exactly whom (amongst todays Senior Ulema as well as decades back) has refuted the Fatwa (and rulings) of the abovementioned great luminaries on the issue of Stunning? And what their reasoning and basis is for refuting and negating the abovementioned Fatwa of Mufti Taqi and the rulings of Maulana Ashraff Ali Thanwi (Rahmatullahi Alaih) and other giants of the Muslim world like Mufti Mohammed Shafi??
Question 3.6
With regards to the Fatwa quoted above (of Mufti Taqi Usmani) does SANHA even understand the learned Muftis ruling?
Can SANHA perhaps please comment (individually on each of points a,b,c,d,e of Mufti Taqis Fatwa above) and educate us on SANHAs understanding of the Fatwa and on whether SANHA takes note of and accepts Mufti Taqis Fatwa(Or not?)
(SANHA in deeming stunning acceptable surely thinks that the learned Mufti Taqi has erred in his rulings? and by default that Darul Uloom Ifta departments of Deoband and Karachi have erred as well and have got it wrong???)
Question 3.7
In detail, what is SANHAs exact reasons for accepting stunning? (Especially as SANHA always proclaims to lean on the side conservatism, e.g. on the gelatin issue etc where SANHA preaches a rather safe then sorry approach)
Question 3.8
SANHAs following comment refers;
Where controlled stunning is applied, the stun is of a reversible nature and such bird will not die as a result thereof. If however, there are birds which may have died either pre or post stunning, such birds are removed from the line and disposed of accordingly.
(Above by EBI Lockhat in an email dated 21st October 2010)
It is now established from SANHAs comment above that birds that die pre stunning or post stunning are removed from the line
Question 3.8.1
What are the quantum of birds that die pre stunning and are removed from the line?
Question 3.8.2
What are the quantum of birds that die post stunning and are removed from the line?
Question 3.8.3
What are, in general, are the causes of death of birds that die pre stunning? (Could these birds be unhealthy in the 1st place and hence just falling down dead? Could they be treated inhumanely and be dying as a result thereof??)
Question 3.8.4
What are, in general, the causes of death of birds that die post stunning? (Could these birds perhaps be dying as a direct result of the stunning??)
Question 3.9
Please explain how exactly birds that die post stunning are removed from the line pre slaughter?
[Removed by whom? When? At what point? Perhaps removed by the same slaughterers who are already tasked, and stressed, with slaughtering birds at extremely high speed?]
Question 3.10
How exactly is a (dead) bird that dies post stunning (pre slaughter) differentiated from a live but effectively unconscious / comatose bird (for purposes of removing the dead birds from the line?
Question 3.11
SANHA claims that:
the stun is of a reversible nature and such bird will not die as a result thereof
Is SANHA willing to subject itself to a surprise random and unannounced survey where at one of the plants that it certifies 1000 birds that have been stunned are all one after another removed from the line pre slaughter and then waited on to see in how many of the 1000 the stunning process is actually reversed (as SANHA claims the stun is of a reversible nature) and to check if were left with 1000 (out of a 1000) healthy birds??
Question 3.12
If the survey is done as per 3.11 above and a few birds actually die (or just one) then what would SANHAs view be of the obvious contamination between (so called) Halaal birds and those that cannot be Halaal due to dying pre slaughtering as a result of the stunning?
Question 3.13
SANHAs words above where SANHA says that:stunning in commercial abattoirs may be considered.
are very ambiguous.
What exactly is SANHA saying / suggesting?
On whose authority?
Following exactly whose Fatwas and whos rulings (please give some references to these Fatwas and rulings)?
Question 3.14
During SANHAs pre-planned site visits / inspections to one of the plants Mufti Elias asked the supervisor to immerse his hand into the stunning water where the tiny birds that consumers consume are stunned. The supervisor refused.
Why did he refuse?
