The Muslim Arbitration Tribunal has provided further details and deadlines regarding the forthcoming Arbitration Hearing regarding the machine slaughter of Halal animals.
The MAT has been requested by leading authorities within the Halal slaughter industry to arbitrate on whether the machine slaughter of animals is legal under Islamic Law and the guidance provided by the Food Standard Agency.
The FSA guidelines on Halal slaughter states that the words “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” must be recited upon each animal or bird prior to slaughter. The failure to do so would therefore render any such animal Haram (forbidden) under Islamic Law.
The MAT was established in 2007 to mediate and arbitrate on matters concerning Islamic Law, whilst operating under the remit of the Arbitration Act 1996.
At the proposed Arbitration Hearing, the Tribunal will enable both parties to make representations in support of their case for or against machine slaughter, with the final determination being made by the arbitration Judge.
The Arbitration Hearing has been listed to take place on Saturday 16th July 2016 and will be presided over by three Judges. Two Judges will be part of the Judiciary of England and Wales whilst the other Judge will be an Islamic Scholar. The duration and timetable of the Hearing will be published once all of the evidence has been submitted.
All individuals, parties and/or organisations who wish to participate in the Arbitration Hearing must note and abide by the following:
All parties who intend to participate in the arbitration must notify the MAT by 4pm on Thursday 19th May 2016
The parties must file and serve any witness and/or expert evidence in support of their case no later than 4pm on the Thursday 2nd June 2016.
At the hearing itself, each party will be given equal opportunity to present their arguments with the other party given time to argue in opposition.
Upon hearing the evidence, the arbitration Judge shall then deliberate upon the disputed issue and inform the parties of their determination. In reaching their decision, the Arbitration Judge shall take into account the Laws of England and Wales as well as the recognised school of Islamic Sacred Law.
All correspondence and/or evidence must be submitted to MAT by e-mail at info@matribunal.com, post to Hijaz Manor, Watling Street, Nuneaton, CV11 6BE or via their website www.matribunal.com.
