If the one who slaughters the sacrificial animal and sells it is unknown in his conduct, should one inquire about his state and his prayer?

The questioner : As for the one who slaughters and sells meat, if he is one who abandons prayer, or if we are unaware of his conduct, or if we do not know whether he is consistent in his prayer or not, we are not obligated to search for or inquire about whether he prays or not.

The Shaykh : If this slaughterer claims to be a Muslim and is affiliated with Islam, it is not permissible for us to investigate his state, because the original presumption is that a believer is to be judged by his outward appearance until it becomes clear to us. However, as for him, it is not permissible for him to sell this slaughtered animal while he does not pray, for any of the Muslims, because this is among the greatest forms of deception, and may Allah protect us from it. This is because he is selling them carrion, since the slaughter of one who does not pray is carrion. Consequently, it is forbidden for him to sell it in the markets of Muslims for them to eat. He also does not eat it, neither he nor his family, because it is forbidden, as the slaughterer is not qualified to perform the slaughter.

The questioner : Yes.