The Hadith

Abu Ya‘la Shaddad ibn Aws (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah said:

“Indeed Allah has prescribed excellence (ihsan) in all things.

So when you kill, kill in a good manner.

When you slaughter, slaughter in a good manner.

Let one of you sharpen his blade and give relief to the animal he slaughters.”  

Reference

Reported by Muslim.  

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Explanation (From Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan)

In this hadith the Prophet explained the obligation of excellence (ihsan) in all matters.  

The statement:

“Allah has prescribed excellence in all things”

means that a Muslim is commanded to perform his actions in the best manner, with care and proper conduct.  

Ihsan includes performing acts of worship properly and also behaving with excellence in dealings with others.  

The Prophet then gave examples of ihsan in matters where harm may occur, such as killing in battle or slaughtering animals for food.  

The statement:

“When you kill, kill in a good manner”

refers to situations where killing is permitted by Islamic law, such as retribution and the prescribed punishments. Even then, the one killed is not to be punished or tortured first; the killing is carried out quickly, and cruelty and unnecessary harm are forbidden.

The Prophet also said:

“When you slaughter, slaughter in a good manner.”

This refers to slaughtering animals for food according to the Islamic method.  

The Prophet then instructed that the blade should be sharpened and the animal should be treated in a way that reduces suffering.  

This instruction shows that Islam commands mercy and kindness even toward animals.  

Thus the hadith establishes that excellence and mercy should be observed in all actions, whether dealing with people or animals.  

References

The Explanation of Imam an-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith: Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan. Dar Makkah International.

Verified on 2026-10-21 against: The Explanation of Imam an-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith (Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan), Hadith 17.