Mercy to All Creatures: The Islamic Perspective on Animal Rights

 

While modern society has recently developed laws for animal welfare, Islam established these rights over 1,400 years ago. In Islam, animals are not just resources; they are sentient beings that praise God in their own way, and humans are responsible for their protection.

​1. A Reward in Every Living Being

​The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that kindness to animals can be a reason for divine forgiveness. He told the famous story of a man who found a thirsty dog and climbed down a well to bring it water. God appreciated his action and forgave his sins. When asked if there is a reward for serving animals, the Prophet replied: "There is a reward for serving any living being." (Sahih Bukhari).

​2. Strict Prohibition of Cruelty

​Islam strictly forbids any form of animal cruelty. This includes overloading animals with work they cannot bear, starving them, or using them for target practice. The Prophet once saw a camel that was extremely thin due to hunger and said: "Fear Allah in your treatment of these speechless animals."

​3. Compassion Even in Slaughter

​Even when animals are used for food, Islam mandates the highest level of compassion. The Prophet instructed that the knife must be sharpened and the animal should not be slaughtered in front of others to minimize its distress and pain. This "Halal" concept is rooted in mercy and dignity.

​4. Lessons for the Modern World

​In a world facing ecological crises and species extinction, the Islamic teaching that animals are "communities like you" (Quran 6:38) offers a powerful ethical framework. It reminds us that balance and mercy are essential for a healthy planet.

​References & Scholarly Sources

​The Holy Quran: Surah Al-An'am (6:38) - "They are communities like you."

​Sahih Al-Bukhari: Narrations regarding the thirsty dog and the woman and the cat.

​Sunan Abi Dawood: Hadith on the mistreatment of camels.

​Animal Welfare in Islam: By Al-Hafiz Basheer Ahmad Masri (a pioneering work on the subject).