Islam and Animal Rights: Compassion and Care for All Creatures

An intrinsic study of the universe and its creations will undoubtedly lead towards the unequivocal truth that there is absolutely nothing random in the universe and beyond which Allah SWT has created. Each of the creations is inextricably linked either to another, or to a larger system, playing an integral role in the smooth running of the universe as affixed by Allah SWT. Humans for example, have been given the responsibility of being Allah’s Viceregent on Earth and thus will be accountable for their treatment and use of the resources Allah SWT has endowed the Earth with. The following ayah of the Holy Quran is clearly indicative of the sheer gravity of this God-given responsibility when Allah SWT says:

It is He who made you the vicegerents of the earth and raised some of you in ranks over others, so that He may test you in what He has given you. Surely, your Lord is swift in punishing, and surely He is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful. (6:165)

Animals and other living creatures have been a part of these resources since the Creation of Man, aiding in playing a significant role in the ecosystem at large and deserving of attention and compassion from the Earth’s Khalifa. Islamic history and tradition make repeated mentions of animals, from those who joined Propher Nuh’s AS ark and the titular ants from the story of Prophet Sulaiman AS, earning a place in the Holy Quran to Buraaq and the Prophet’s she-camel along with many others, proving that living creatures have been granted a certain dignity in Islam which is imperative to respect. However, the general ignorance with which the matter of dignity and care of animals is considered is almost shaming to say the least, leading to the pressing need for understanding the importance of animals and their welfare.

It is important to reiterate that while we are charged with the managing of the affairs of the Earth according to the Divine Commands, it by no means makes us masters over the environment and lifeforms. Infact, having the awareness of Allah SWT as being the One and only Maalik (Master) of the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in them, should serve to bring humility and a genuine desire to fulfill the charge Allah has handed. This consciousness, aided with adherence to the Prophetic examples in matters of preservation of sanctity of lifeforms and conscious conservation of resources, would clear the way for the maintaining of the Mizan (Divine Balance) of the Earth. Thus, this dominion as the Khulafah or the stewards, is a conditional one where we are subservient to the injunctions and the Will of Allah SWT, so much so that straying those commands or denying them would bring us in direct opposition to the Creator and Master of All.

Animals as God-Conscious Communities

The fact that Allah SWT has made animals as God-Conscious communities, deserving of care and dignity, which will be raised on the Day of Judgement is unfortunately something most Muslims are not aware of. These lifeforms might not be as complex as human beings, but they are the subjects of Allah SWT, existing to glorify and praise Him, an inherent characteristic which grants them their status. Allah (SWT) states in the Qur’an:

There is no animal that crawls on the Earth, no bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you.” (6:38)

The seven heavens, the Earth, and all those in them glorify Him. There is not a single thing that does not glorify His praises—but you cannot comprehend their glorification.” (17:44)

Relationship between Humans and Animals

Allah SWT has not only beautified the Earth with a diversity of creatures ranging from animals and birds to insects and microorganisms, but made each species dependent on the other for continued survival as part of a complex global ecology. This system of interdependence lays the foundation of what is called Mizan, the balance of nature.

This ecological reliance of one creation on the other leads to a bond where the humans have been strongly called upon to be kind and compassionate in their treatment of animals. Interestingly, the detailed mentions of creatures and our responsibility towards animals in the Quran and Ahadith have also been expounded upon in the works of Islamic Fiqh and Law by classical Islamic scholars. They would include the rights of animals as part of ethics in the section of farming and caretaking, prescribing decent practices and kind treatment while forbidding any kind of abuse and violence. The notable scholar Izz ud-Deen ibn Abdi Salaam writes:

The rights of creatures and animals over humanity are the following: that he provides for them as they require, even if they have aged or sickened such that no benefit comes from them; that he not burden them beyond what they can bear; that he not put them together with another creature that could injure it, whether of their own kind or other species, whether by breaking their bones or butting or wounding them; that he slaughters them with gentleness and he does not flay their skins or break their bones until their bodies have become cold and passed away; that he not slaughter their young within their sight but rather he does so in solitude; that he makes their resting and watering places comfortable; that he puts the males and females together during their mating seasons; that he does not discard what he has hunted; and that he does not shoot them with anything that breaks their bones or harms them by any means that would render their meat forbidden to eat. Qawā’id al-Aḥkām fī Iṣlāḥ al-Anām 1/167

Islamic Perspective on Animal Welfare

Generally speaking, animal rights and the need for their welfare refer to the entitlements of animals to the possession of their own lives and their most basic interests including need to avoid suffering. Any study of the connection and relationship between Man and Animals from a religious perspective is bound to direct towards the earlier mentioned responsibility of Muslims as the stewards of Allah SWT on Earth. The Prophet reiterating this point states:

The world is sweet and green (alluring) and verily Allah is going to install you as vicegerent in it in order to see how you act…” (Sahih Muslim 2742)

Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an:

‘We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world.’ (21:107)

The life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the most reliable source of Islamic instruction after the Holy Quran, is filled with glorious examples of Rahmah and compassion towards all living beings. These examples underscore the dignity and importance of animals while serving as guiding lessons for our conduct towards the creatures of the Almighty along with being roads that lead to surplus rewards. It comes in a narration:

They (The Sahaba RA) said, Messenger of Allah , do we have a reward for taking care of beasts? He said, there is a reward for service to every living creature.” (Imam Malik, Muwatta).

Just as one human is entitled to kindness and compassionate from another human, the same goes for our expected behavior with animals. Islam strongly calls for excellence in our treatment of animals, emphasizing that just like we are recompensed in the way we deal with our fellow humans, we are recompensed for our kindness and cruelty towards animals, respectively. Abdullah ibn Ja’far reported: The Prophet , entered a garden among the Ansar. When a camel saw the Prophet, it started weeping and making sounds as its tears flowed. The Prophet came to it and patted it on the head, so it became silent. The Prophet said: Who is the master of this camel? To whom does it belong?

A young man from the Ansar came and said, “This is mine, O Messenger of Allah .” The Prophet said: Do you not fear Allah regarding this animal that Allah has put in your possession Verily, she has complained to me that you keep her hungry and tired. Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2549, Grade: Sahih

Animals are entitled to good treatment from humans. We have to be gentle with the animals even when we have to discipline them. At times when it becomes necessary to discipline an animal for the purpose of training it, it is imperative to be gentle and abstain from harming the animal.

Aisha RA reported: I was upon a camel that was misbehaving, so I started to beat it. The Messenger of Allah said to me: You must be gentle. Verily, gentleness is not in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it disgraces it.’ Musnad Aḥmad 24417

Impact of Attitude towards Animals in the Hereafter

The teachings of the Prophet shed light on the fact that the status of animals is such that our treatment of them can affect our fate in the Hereafter. Numerous narrations and traditions underscore how Allah SWT appreciates mercy and empathy towards animals, so much so that it can lead to the forgiveness of our sins. To gain this magnanimous reward from Allah SWT, all we are required to do is to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet and emulate him in being a source of mercy for all of Allah’s (SWT) creations. Abu Huraira RA reported: The Messenger of Allah , said:

Once a man suffered from thirst while he was walking on a journey. When he found a well, he climbed down into it and drank from it. Then he came out and saw a dog lolling its tongue from thirst and licking the ground. The man said: This dog has suffered thirst just as I have suffered from it. He climbed down into the well, filled his shoe with water, and caught it in his mouth as he climbed up. Then he gave the dog a drink. Allah appreciated this deed, so he forgave him.

In another narration, the Prophet said:

‘Allah had once forgiven a prostitute. She passed by a dog panting near a well. Seeing that thirst had nearly killed him, she took off her shoe, tied it to her scarf, and drew up some water. Allah forgave her for that.’ (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3143)

Umar ibn Al-Khattab RA said:

If a lost sheep under my care were to die on the banks of the Euphrates, I would expect Allah the Exalted to question me about it on the Day of Resurrection.’ Hilyat al-Awliyā’ 137

Rights of Animals on the Day of Judgement

The rights of animals, like with other creatures, will be restored justly on the Day of Judgement. Any Injustice from one animal to another, or from a human to an animal in the form of violation of rights will be subject to retribution from Allah the Most Just in the Hereafter. Abu Huraira RA reported that the Messenger of Allah said:

The rights of everyone will be restored on the Day of Resurrection until justice is fulfilled, even between the hornless sheep and the horned sheep. (Muslim 2582)

It is a major sin and direct violation of rights given by Allah to abuse an animal or kill one without a beneficial reason. On the day of Judgement, even the smallest of birds who had been killed unjustly will come pleading for justice from Allah SWT. Abdullah ibn Umar RA reported the Messenger of Allah to have said:

‘If someone kills so much as a sparrow or anything larger without a just cause, then Allah the Exalted will ask him about it on the Day of Resurrection. (Al-Nasā’ī 4445)

Mercy for Animals

All creatures seek the mercy of Allah SWT in this life and the Hereafter. Indeed, amongst the easiest ways to obtain the infinite mercy of Allah SWT is through being merciful to the other lifeforms created by Allah SWT. In a beautiful hadith, it is mentioned that a man came to the Prophet and said:

O Messenger of Allah , I would have slaughtered a sheep but I had mercy on it.” The Messenger of Allah , said: If you had mercy on the sheep, then Allah will have mercy on you twice.’ (Al-Adab al-Mufrad 368)

Charity Extends to Animals As Well

Animals do not have to be our pets or directly under our care to be deserving of our charity and kindness. Charity towards any creation of Allah SWT carries great reward as evidenced in these Ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad . It was asked from the Prophet ,

O Messenger of Allah , is there a reward for charity even for the animals?” The Prophet said: In every living being there is a reward for charity.’ (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5663)

Anas bin Malik RA reported: The Messenger of Allah said:

‘There is no Muslim who plants a tree or sows seeds and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it except that it is regarded as a charity for him.’ Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2320

Suraqa ibn Ju’shum RA reported: I asked the Prophet about a lost camel that comes to drink from my cisterns I have prepared for my own camels, “Will I be rewarded if I give it some water to drink?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Yes, in every living being there is a reward for charity.’ (Sunan Ibn Mājah 3686)

Excellence in Slaughtering

Islam permits Muslims to slaughter animals when they are needed for their meat or to make clothing from its hide. This method is different from killing, causing minimum pain to the animal. The slaughtering needs to be done in the way Shariah has prescribed which does not put them in state of pain or distress, lest their meat be tainted with sin.

Shaddad ibn Aws RA reported: The Messenger of Allah , said:

Verily, Allah has prescribed excellence in everything. If you have to kill, then kill in the best manner. If you slaughter, then slaughter in the best manner. Let one of you sharpen his knife so his animal feels no pain. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1955

Cruelty Against Animals

Just as kindness towards animals is emphasized and encouraged in Islam, cruelty and abuse is strongly prohibited and disliked especially for the purpose of entertainment and sports. A companion of the Prophet , Sa’eed ibn Jubair RA reported:

I was in the presence of Ibn Umar when we passed by a group who had tied down a chicken and they were using it as a target. When they saw Ibn Umar, they fled and left it behind. Ibn Umar said: Whoever has done this, then the Prophet , has cursed whoever has done this. Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5196

On another occasion, the Prophet reprimanded the companions for distressing a bird’s nest on account of it being unjust and a violation of the bird’s rights. Abdullah RA reported:

 We were on a journey and we saw a red sparrow that had two chicks with her. We took her chicks, so the sparrow started to flap her wings. The Prophet , came to us and he said: Who has upset her by taking her children? Give her children back to her. Sunan Abī Dāwūd 5268

How Muslims Can Advocate for Ethical treatment of Animals

The above extensively detailed discussion is likely to lead to the question of how Muslims can contribute towards the care and ethical treatments of animals. People often mistakenly believe it to be the job of pet-owners or those with close interaction with animals. While that definitely increases the need to be considerate, the responsibility falls generally to all Muslims. Another common excuse towards having an ignorant attitude is, ‘I am not really an animal person’. One does not have to be an animal person to care for Allah’s creation. A few options for Muslims have been suggested below that can help their advocacy for Animal Welfare.

As Pet-Owners

Other than the general duty of a believer to be considerate and empathic towards the creation of Allah, the responsibility as a pet-owner understandably increases from being cognizant of one’s pet’s needs and fulfilling them, to making positive efforts towards the pet’s well-being.

Another care-giving option Muslims can pursue is to rescue other pets that that have been abandoned or sent to shelter homes. Shelter an animal in need. Often, mistreated animals need immediate support especially when they have been rescued from a harmful situation. Fostering them through providing a permanent loving home will not just be rewarding for the pet but the caretaker as well.

Stopping Animal Cruelty: Know your Stance

It is important to understand that you do not need to be an animal lover to be kind to animals. As a believer one should be empathic to the creation of Allah and thus be sure in your stance regarding abuse or violence towards it. Understandably, intervention might not be easy in most cases so while it is foolhardy to put one’s self in danger, it is a wise option to report the cruelty or neglect to the proper authorities or seek help through witnesses.

Teaching Children to be Kind to Animals

Young children learn more through emulation than instruction. To teach them to have respect

for animals, be the example you want them to be, encouraging them to adopt love and consideration as they become the next generation to advocate for Animal Welfare.

Be the Helping Hand

Sometimes animals are not being deliberately abused but rather neglected due to lack of physical, psychological and financial resources. If the pet-owners are amenable to help, they should be assisted in providing the appropriate care for the animal in order for it to thrive in a positive and empathic environment.

It is important to note that the undesirable link between animal neglect and domestic abuse cannot be simply ignored. If a pet is facing neglect in a house where cruelty and violence are a norm, it should be removed from that place and given a chance to abide in a more loving and caring home.

Create Awareness

While it is not always possible to be a person of action especially when it comes to intervention in other people’s lives, educating people and creating awareness about the rights of animals to live without pain and fear can go a long way in ensuring care and dignity of animals which our religion has emphasized. Those in a position of power should attempt to ask for stringent laws for the protection of animals. Stronger animal welfare laws and harsher penalties will lead to fewer cruelty cases.

Many companies and businesses publicly take up the cause for promoting care and well-being for animals. DEENIN is fortunate to count itself among those ventures which prioritize animal protection with emphasis on having strict adherence to ethics and advocating cruelty free products. Indeed, the team is often found bonding with their occasional-resident cat, setting an example of encouraging love and empathy for Allah’s creation.

Bibliography

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