he Almighty Allah, the Creator of this Universe, assigned space to all its creations:
“And the earth, He has assigned it to all living creatures” (LV:10).
This reflects that the earth is not only meant to be used by the human race, but for all the living beings–be these insects, rodents, animals, birds, or the water creatures. The significance of animals in Islam is evident from the fact that out of 114 Suras (Chapters) in the Holy Quran, six have been named after them. Among these are Al-Baqarah (The Cow, II), Al-An’am (The Flocks, VI), An-Nahl (The Bee, XVI), An-Naml (The Ant, XXVII), Al-Ankabut (The Spider, XXIX) and Al-Fil (The Elephant, CV). Besides these, there are numerous verses in different Chapters that deal with the animals. These citations in the Holy Quran reflect the fact that along with human beings, animals are also noteworthy in Islam and have their rights. No doubt, superiority rests in the children of Adam, yet these creatures have a significant role to play in this universe. The above-mentioned Chapters, in addition to Surah Al-Maidha (V), narrate their benefits for mankind. Some animals are domesticated as livestock, hence provide milk, meat and leather, while others are used for transportation (XL-79-80).
“Allah it is Who hath appointed for you cattle, that ye may ride on some of them, and eat of some – Many benefits ye have from them – and that ye may satisfy by their means a need that is in your breasts, and may be borne upon them as upon the ship.” (XL:79-80).
Every living organism in this universe has worth and is part of the human society. Therefore, Muslims are required to treat them with compassion and not to abuse them. Islam has laid down rights for animals long before even the human rights were recognized in the Western world. In Islam, all the creations, including animal, are believed to praise the Almighty Allah since, like humans, they are creations of Allah. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was sent as a mercy to mankind and a blessing for all creatures, as reflected in the following verse:
“And We have not sent you but as a mercy for the worlds.” (XXI:107) |
The Holy Quran further defines animals as well as all living beings, as submissive, since they live the way that Almighty Allah has created them to live, and they follow Allah’s laws:
“There is not an animal that lives on neither the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but they form communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they all shall be gathered to their Lord in the end” (VI: 38)
“Have you not seen that to Allah extol, whoever are in the heavens and the earth and the birds outstretching (their wings)? (Or: in ranks) Each has already known its prayer and Extolment; and Allah is Ever-Knowing of whatever they perform”. (XXIV:41)
These verses serve as reminder to all of us that none of the animals are created without purpose and that they have feelings. Therefore, they have the right to their lives, as well as protection from pain and suffering. Man must consider their lives as worthwhile and cherished.
Animal welfare in Sunnah
There are numerous Ahadith that dwell on humane handling of animals. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) urged Muslims to express kindness towards animals and birds, and repeatedly prohibited cruelty towards them. This is reflected in some Ahadith that are quoted below:
Using animals as shooting targets
Before the arrival of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ), animals were cruelly confined and tied as shooting targets. The people at that time used to enjoy this practice. This was banned by the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) who prohibited taking a living thing as a shooting target (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1475).