Farming

How A Christian Taught Me To Slaughter Halal

While thinking of God’s judgment over me, my nervousness began to leave.

Published

9 months ago

January 30, 2024

Guest Writer

Reader discretion: This article discusses the processes of slaughtering lambs.

I begin with the name of The God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

So there I was, swimming in gravy and joy during the second annual Beartaria Times National Festival.

The bonfire roared and crackled, harmonizing with the diverse chatter of hundreds of people around the beautiful property. From outbreaks of laughter to questions that provoked silence and a subtle “woah” from engaged attendees meeting old friends for the first time, the atmosphere embraced you in a feeling of belonging, like a destination was found.

This destination, however, was not just the beautiful Missouri property but an environment manifested by all the legends that came with pure intentions, knowledge, wisdom, and guiding lights of family leadership, a meeting of lords and ladies from across the realm. Truly an elite class of prosperous minds and hearts.

The discussions were meaningful, and the light hearted humor was balanced with innocence and wit.

I had many moments of silence and reflection, smiling to myself as I felt the joy radiating from groups of legends around me.

While I had many valuable discussions, learned many things, and made many friends, one conversation made a huge impact on my life and assisted me in a 15-year-old goal and aspiration that seemed far from reality.

As I stood there, looking into the fire, having a moment to myself, I began to talk with an adventurous and inspirational legend.

He shared all kinds of experiences with me, from his long-distance marathons that I have always dreamed of pursuing to his experience as a high-profile chef, business adventures in Norway, and now his life of living in Missouri out of a converted school bus.

He began to tell me about his new venture of offering butchering services in Missouri. I was immediately intrigued and began to tell him about halal slaughter and my desire to be able to properly slaughter animals in accordance with Islamic requirements.

He comfortably and instantly resonated with it as he performs what he calls “Mercy slaughter”, a biblical slaughter that parallels Islamic guidance for slaughtering animals. I was super happy to hear this and saw the opportunity to ask all those questions I had about the preferred methodology of animal slaughter.

Almost 15 years ago, I began learning about halal slaughter. I found it fascinating and optimal for the animal and the consumer. It was instantly something I wanted to pursue. I never had the desire to do it commercially, but I wanted to be able to for myself, my family, and my wider community.

A little about halal slaughter and its requirements:

The animal should have the name of God invoked over it during slaughter.
The animal should be in a state of submission, mitigating all fear and pain.
The animal should be slaughtered with one slice of the neck with a sharp blade. A clean cut without multiple cuts.
The animal should receive food and water and be well kept.
The animal shouldn’t be isolated or taken off alone to a strange place.

This process eliminates or minimizes the release of fear hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Now, I don’t own a white lab coat, so I won’t pretend to know much about it. But the idea is that the animal goes out peacefully, respectfully, and is content. The process should be an act of worship and gratitude, invoking God over the animal to remember the source and reason for the sustenance that has been provided for you.

Having gratitude empowers the will to appreciate and take care of what you have been blessed with. Animals are amazing creatures, and it is our duty to be the best of shepherds and custodians over them. As a duty, there is accountability over us, and while we may not realize the accountability over us in this life, if we neglect to acknowledge it, we often find negative effects of it in our life.

So as I began the discussion of halal and mercy slaughter, I was happy to learn that the Butcher slaughters sheep and goats with a knife. He would lay them down, say a prayer, and efficiently slice their throats with one clean stroke.

This was what I wanted. I was well-studied in the topic but never met someone who does this, let alone regularly and comfortably.

I had all kinds of questions for him, like what kind of knife to use, the positioning of the cut, managing the situation, and seeing through the process of the animal bleeding out.

Not only was the helpful Bear able to answer all my questions, but he was also able to instill confidence in me to do it.

I expressed that I had 2 lambs at home that were being prepared for slaughter in the winter of 2023. After getting all my questions answered, I really started to feel prepared to take this on.

As winter approached after the festival, the lambs were really starting to look ready. My neighbor here in Idaho was also a huge help, working as a processing butcher for many years, a big-time hunter, owner of a taxidermy business as well. His shop has wolf hides, mountain lion hides, massive elk antlers hanging on the walls, and every tool you can imagine.

I reached out to let him know I was planning on slaughtering the lambs and how I wanted to do it. It wasn’t common for him to see it this way, but he is familiar with it and offered to help any way he can.

Leading up to the day, I was feeling nervous. I had the right knives, I knew what I was doing, but the nervousness was from the fear that I wouldn’t do right by the animal and thus not right under God.

I spoke to the helpful Bear again, and he played it all out for me, he even FaceTimed with me as he demonstrated positioning with his dog as a participant in the demo!

This really helped calm my nerves as he is such a matter-of-fact kind of guy. While not being a Muslim, he slaughters animals biblically, which is very much in line with Islamic direction. We bonded on the intention, the motive, and the blessing of what we have been provided.

The morning of the planned slaughter, my neighbor stopped by, which I wasn’t expecting. I thought I would just bring them to him after they were slaughtered. At first, it made me nervous again as there is someone watching me perform something I have never done before. Although I quickly remembered that it is God that I should fear and God that I remember as the one that I am accountable to.

While thinking of God’s judgment over me, my nervousness began to leave.

One of my longtime friends went into the lamb pen and herded them out the gate, at which point I grabbed the animal and steered it only about 15 feet to under a tree that they grew up by. At this point, my nervousness was completely gone.

We lifted the animal’s legs, laid it down on its side, and put enough pressure to keep it down. I began to pet the animal, being firm and comforting to the beautiful lamb I raised since it was little, jumping around my yard with joy. The lamb then went limp and showed me that it had submitted to its position and where it was. I then spoke in Arabic. “I begin with the name of The God, The God is the greatest”. I repeated this as I positioned my knife and when things felt right, I said it again and made the appropriate cut.

Leading up to it, I felt as though it would be a hard cut to make, imagining a thick hide and a lot of resistance; however, with a firm, well-intended cut, the knife passed through the correct position quite easily. Its neck opened up, and it was as if the animal went instantly unconscious, limp, and breathing deeply as the blood started to flow without any sporadic behavior. The blood spilled out consistently for about 1.5 minutes as expected, then the animal gave its final impulse kicks, and it was gone.

My neighbor was very impressed, saying how amazing it was to see the animal go so peacefully and how it was such a clean, well-managed situation. He repeated to me that the animal had such a peaceful, respectful death.

I felt great knowing that it was done to the best of my ability. I did my due diligence, and the guidance given to me was properly executed. It also felt great sharing this with my neighbor and him witnessing a halal slaughter, which even in a rural homesteading area is not common at all.

I had one more lamb, the male, which was always a little more powerful and brave than the female. I repeated the same process with a little more time spent on making it feel comfortable on the ground under me. Just like the first, the animal did submit and relax. I felt its temper slow down, its breathing slowed down, as though it said “fine, okay, I’m here and I submit”.

The process was just as smooth, and afterwards, seeing both these animals laid to rest, I stood up and felt as though I rose from prayer.

We then took the animals next door, and my neighbor helped me half them and put them in his freezer. He refused to take any money from me, saying something to the effect of ,

“I’m at a point in my life where the last thing I need is cash. I want to share these skills with the youth and anyone that wants to learn because these skills keep us free and thriving.”

While the internet can often be filled with debates, disagreements, elevations of self, and identities pitted against each other, my experience with two men of different faiths supported me in mine, not because of their endorsement of an identity label but because of the unity of truth. Truth that transcends labels, social opinions, or branded demographics.

While I have loved the Beartaria Times community since its inception, this whole experience has proved it is what it was designed to be.

Not a community based on the unity of identity, but unity of truth, sincerity, and aspirations for better lives for ourselves and for others. To respect and appreciate the diversity of each other’s opinions and thoughts to empower us forward, not as a wedge to prevent sharing things that matter.

Islamically, upon the birth of a child, it’s custom to slaughter an animal and to give 1/3rd away to family, 1/3rd to friends, and 1/3rd to the needy.

In December 2023, my wife and I celebrated the birth of our first child. Alhamdulilah!

I gave away one of the butchered lambs, to which I received so many great reviews. It was said that it was the best lamb people have ever had, the meat was so soft, picky children even asked for more!

It really inspired people to look into cultivating lambs or supporting me in escalating things.

In conclusion, I want to say thank you to the legend that helped with the amazing mentorship, thank you to my wonderful neighbor, thank you to the Beartaria Times festival team, thank you to The Beartaria Times and all the legends supporting it, thank you to the Big Bear for cultivating this community in a way where it is cultivating itself beyond the internet controversies and back to things that matter.

All praises to The All Merciful, The All-Powerful, Our Sustainer, and Our Provider.

Related Topics:Beartaria Crushing Farming Featured Garden Homestead

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Farming

The Rise of Small-Scale Farming: Benefits, Challenges, and Tips for Success

Looking beyond the pretty Instagram pictures.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 2, 2024

The Beartaria Times

Small-scale farming has seen a significant resurgence in recent years. As more people seek sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyles, understanding the benefits and challenges of small-scale farming becomes increasingly important. This article highlights this trend and provides insights into what it takes to succeed as a small-scale farmer.

Benefits of Small-Scale Farming

1. Sustainability
Small-scale farms often adopt sustainable practices such as crop rotation, composting, and organic farming, which help maintain soil health and reduce environmental impact. Such practices support a more sustainable agricultural system.

2. Community Engagement
Small-scale farms can strengthen local communities by providing fresh, locally-grown produce. Farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and farm-to-table initiatives foster connections between farmers and consumers.

3. Diverse Crop Production
Unlike large monoculture farms, small-scale farms can grow a variety of crops. This diversity reduces the risk of crop failure and provides a wider range of fresh produce to the community.

4. Better Quality Produce
Small-scale farmers often prioritize quality over quantity. This focus on quality leads to fresher, more nutritious, and better-tasting produce compared to mass-produced alternatives.

5. Economic Resilience
Small-scale farming can contribute to local economies by creating jobs and supporting other local businesses. Farmers can also diversify their income through value-added products like jams, cheeses, and homemade goods.

Challenges of Small-Scale Farming

1. Limited Resources
Small-scale farmers often operate with limited financial resources and may struggle to access capital for equipment, seeds, and other necessary supplies. Managing cash flow can be challenging and requires additional planning and strategizing.

2. Labor Intensive
Small-scale farming is labor-intensive, requiring significant time and effort. Beyond the physically demanding work of planting and harvesting, farmers also have to invest energy into marketing and selling what they produce.

3. Market Access
Finding and maintaining a reliable market for produce can be difficult. Small-scale farmers must often compete with larger operations and navigate complex distribution networks to reach consumers.

4. Weather Dependence
Farming is inherently dependent on weather conditions. Droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures can all impact crop yields. Small-scale farmers must develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

5. Regulatory Hurdles
Navigating agricultural regulations and obtaining necessary permits can be challenging for small-scale farmers. You need to budget time and resources to achieve compliance with food safety standards, labeling requirements, and other regulations.

Tips for Success in Small-Scale Farming

1. Start Small and Scale Up
Begin with a manageable plot of land and expand gradually as your experience and resources grow. This approach reduces the risk of overwhelming yourself and allows for steady growth.

2. Diversify Your Products
Growing a variety of crops, and exploring value-added products, can increase your income and reduce risk. Consider niche markets and unique products to stand out.

3. Build a Strong Network
Connect with other farmers, local businesses, and agricultural organizations. Networking can provide valuable support, resources, and market opportunities.

4. Embrace Technology
Utilize modern farming techniques and technology to improve efficiency. Tools such as drip irrigation, soil sensors, and farm management software can enhance productivity and sustainability.

5. Focus on Marketing
Effective marketing is crucial for reaching consumers. Utilize social media, create a website, and utilize local markets and events to promote your farm and products.

Small-scale farming offers a rewarding path to sustainability and community engagement. While it presents challenges, the benefits of producing high-quality, diverse crops and contributing to local economies make it a worthwhile endeavor. With careful planning and dedication, small-scale farmers can thrive while also benefiting their community and the land they are stewarding.

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Come join the 15k+ members who are creating solutions and Crushing it!

If you are interested in submitting an article for BeartariaTimes.com as a guest writer please email Editor@BeartariaTimes.com.

Farming

The Buzz and Benefits of Beekeeping for Homesteaders

Whether you’re motivated by the prospect of fresh honey or the joy of working with these fascinating creatures, beekeeping is a fulfilling and valuable addition to any homestead.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 1, 2024

The Beartaria Times

Beekeeping is a rewarding practice that offers numerous benefits for homesteaders. Beyond producing delicious honey, beekeeping supports pollination, enhances biodiversity, and can even contribute to local economies. Here are some of the key benefits of beekeeping and why it might be a perfect addition to your homestead.

Benefits

Honey Production

A pure natural sweetener, honey is versatile and can be used as a natural remedy for various aliments, included in baking, or used in cooking. Home-harvested honey is free from additives and preservatives, ensuring a pure and natural product.

Honey has health benefits it can soothe sore throats, aid in digestion, and provide a quick energy boost. It is known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Selling honey and other hive products like beeswax candles or propolis can provide an additional source of income for homesteaders.

Pollination

Bees are essential pollinators for many crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. By keeping bees, you can improve the pollination of your garden, offering better-quality produce and higher yields.
By helping to pollinate a wide range of plants, bees contribute to having a greater biodiversity. This supports a healthier ecosystem and can enhance the resilience of your homestead.

Healthy pollinator populations support other wildlife by contributing to the production of seeds and fruits that feed birds and other animals.

Education and Enjoyment

Beekeeping is an engaging and educational hobby. It provides a hands-on way to learn about the life cycle of bees, their behavior, and their critical role in the ecosystem. This can be a family-friendly activity that teaches children about responsibility, biology, and environmental stewardship.

Additionally many beekeepers find tending to their hives to be a meditative and calming experience, providing a way to connect with nature and reduce stress.

Environmental Benefits

Beekeeping helps counter the habitat loss, pesticides, and disease that are contributing to the decline of bee populations. By providing a safe habitat and practicing sustainable beekeeping, you contribute to the conservation of these vital pollinators.

Many homesteaders adopt organic beekeeping practices, which avoid the use of harmful chemicals. Not only is this healthier for beekeeping it can enhance your homestead overall and promote a cleaner environment.

Beekeeping raises awareness about the importance of bees and the challenges they face. By becoming an advocate for bees, you can educate your community and encourage more environmentally friendly practices.

Beeswax and Other Hive Products

You can use beeswax to make candles, soaps, lip balms, and lotions. These products are natural and chemical-free, making them ideal for personal use or for selling at local markets.

Propolis, a resin-like substance bees use to seal their hives, has antimicrobial properties and can be used in natural remedies and supplements.

Royal Jelly is a nutrient-rich substance, produced by worker bees, is often used in skincare products and health supplements due to its potential wellness benefits.

Getting Started with Beekeeping

Research and Education
Start by learning as much as you can about beekeeping. Search resources from books, to online coursed, and get in touch with local beekeeping associations. Understanding the basics of bee biology, hive management, and seasonal care is crucial.

Choosing the Right Equipment
Invest in quality beekeeping equipment, including hives, protective clothing, and tools for managing your bees. Consider starting with a beginner’s kit that includes the essentials.

Selecting Your Bees
Choose a bee species suited to your climate and environment. Common choices include Italian bees, known for their gentle nature, and Carniolan bees, valued for their hardiness and efficient honey production.

Setting Up Your Hive
Place your hive in a location that provides good sunlight, protection from strong winds, and access to flowering plants. Ensure the area is safe and convenient for regular hive inspections.

Regular Maintenance
Beekeeping requires regular maintenance, including monitoring hive health, managing pests, and harvesting honey. Regular inspections help you catch problems early and keep your bees healthy.

Beekeeping offers a multitude of benefits for homesteaders, from improving crop yields and supporting biodiversity to providing a source of income and natural products. With commitment the right knowledge, you can create a thriving apiary that enriches your homestead and contributes to the health of the environment. Whether you’re motivated by the prospect of fresh honey or the joy of working with these fascinating creatures, beekeeping is a fulfilling and valuable addition to any homestead.

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Did you know we have an entire category group in our app just about Beekeeping that currently has more than 1,100 members following it due to shared interest in the topic?

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Farming

The Power of Community: How Local Groups Can Strengthen Homesteads

Local groups can provide resources, knowledge, and a sense of belonging that greatly enhance the homesteading experience.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 30, 2024

The Beartaria Times

Building a successful homestead requires more than individual effort; it often involves the support and collaboration of a community. Local groups can provide resources, knowledge, and a sense of belonging that greatly enhance the homesteading experience. Community involvement can strengthen homesteads. We’ve put together 6 ideas for becoming an active part of your local network for you to consider.

1. Sharing Resources

Pooling resources within a community can reduce costs and increase efficiency. From sharing tools and equipment to bulk purchasing supplies, working together allows homesteaders to access resources that might be too expensive or impractical to obtain individually.

Organize a community tool library where members can borrow and lend tools.
Share seeds with neighbors to diversify your garden without additional costs.
Collaborate on purchasing bulk supplies like feed, soil, and building materials to save money.

2. Knowledge Exchange

One of the greatest benefits of a homesteading community is the exchange of knowledge and skills. Experienced homesteaders can mentor newcomers, and everyone can learn from each other’s successes and mistakes.

Attend or host workshops on topics such as gardening, animal husbandry, and food preservation.
Join local homesteading groups online to share tips, ask questions, and offer advice.
Visit each other’s homesteads to see different setups and practices in action.

3. Mutual Support

Homesteading can be challenging, and having a supportive community can make all the difference. Neighbors can help each other during busy times, emergencies, or when specific expertise is needed.

Organize group projects to help build structures like barns, chicken coops, or greenhouses.
Create a network for mutual aid during emergencies, such as natural disasters or medical crises.
Trade labor with neighbors to tackle larger projects without hiring outside help.

4. Social Connection

A strong sense of community provides emotional and social support, which is crucial for well-being. Building relationships with those who share an appreciation for the lifelong journey that is homesteading can lead to lasting friendships and a deeper connection to your local area.

Participate in or organize events like potlucks, harvest festivals, and farmers’ markets.
Join or start groups focused on specific aspects of homesteading, such as homeschooling, sustainable living, or health and wellness.
Attend local agricultural fairs, permaculture meetups, and other events to meet fellow homesteaders.

5. Bartering and Trade

Bartering goods and services can reduce reliance on cash and foster a more sustainable economy within the community. Trading homegrown produce, handmade goods, and skills can help meet needs without monetary exchange.

Organize or participate in local barter fairs where members can trade items and services.
Exchange skills with neighbors, such as trading carpentry work for gardening help.
Trade excess produce, eggs, or homemade products with other homesteaders.

6. Community Projects

Working on community projects can address larger issues and benefit everyone involved. These projects can be anything from creating shared spaces for learning and recreation to community builds which would be a great way to get people together and spread the weight of labor!

Establish a shared garden space where members can grow food collectively.
Collaborate on projects to protect local wildlife, restore natural habitats, or improve soil and water quality.
Develop programs to teach children and adults about sustainable living, agriculture, and self-sufficiency.

The power of community cannot be underestimated when it comes to homesteading. Local groups provide invaluable support, resources, and connections that can strengthen individual homesteads and create a more resilient and thriving community. By actively participating in and contributing to your local network, you can enhance your own homesteading journey and help others along the way.

Summary of ideas:
Tool Sharing Programs, Seed Exchanges, Bulk Buying Groups, Workshops and Classes, Online Forums and Social Media, Farm Tours, Barn Raising, Emergency Assistance, Labor Exchange, Community Events, Support Groups, Networking Opportunities, Barter Fairs, Skill Swaps, Product Exchanges, Community Gardens, Conservation Efforts, Educational Programs

*Community App*

Over 15,000 individuals interact on our social media app and help inspire each other to make connections and get involved everyday.

If you are interested in submitting an article for BeartariaTimes.com as a guest writer please email Editor@BeartariaTimes.com.