The Sunnah Method of Slaughtering a Camel (Naḥr) Explained

Source: Aḥkām wa Masā’il: In Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah by Shaykh Mubashshir Ahmad Rabbānī

❖ Question:​

What is the correct method of performing naḥr (sacrificial slaughter of a camel)?

✿ Answer:​

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ taught two methods for slaughtering sacrificial animals:

① Regular Slaughter (Ḏabḥ)​

This is the commonly known method for most animals like sheep, goats, and cows:

• The animal is laid on its side,
• Takbīr (Allāhu Akbar) is recited,
• Then the throat is swiftly cut with a sharp knife to sever the main blood vessels.

② Naḥr (Stabbing Slaughter)​

This method is specifically prescribed for camels.

✦ The Sunnah method of​

• The camel is made to stand on all four legs,
• Then its front left leg is tied to the upper part of its body (thigh) so it stands on three legs,
• The one sacrificing recites Takbīr,
• Then a spear, knife, or any sharp instrument is driven into the depression at the base of the neck, between the throat and chest,
• This is done in such a way that the major blood vessels are severed and the camel dies swiftly.

References: Mirʿāt al-Mafātīḥ: 2717, al-Fatḥ al-Rabbānī: 13/55–57

Conclusion​

✔ The Prophet ﷺ prescribed naḥr for camels, while ḏabḥ is for other animals.
✔ Naḥr must be performed while the camel is standing, using a sharp tool to pierce the chest-throat junction.
✔ This method is part of the revived Sunnah, especially important during Eid al-Aḍḥā for those offering camels as sacrifice.