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| Animals in Islam Anayat Durrani It is often said that Americans spend more
money and effort on rescuing a beached whale or suffering animal then they
do on the average human being. In the United States there are a large and
growing number of national animal rights and protective organizations. The
World Animal Net Directory, which is the world's largest database of
animal protection societies, has close to 10,000 listings of
organizations. The Muslim world may not have as many
animal rights and protective organizations, but within the tenets of Islam
are found strong support and guidelines for the protection and treatment
of animals. In the Qur'an and Hadith (sayings of the
Prophet), it is emphasized that animals be treated as humanely as any
other of God's vast creation. The Qur'an goes as far to say that cruelty
to animals is equivalent to cruel treatment of a human being. Kind
treatment of animals is considered a good deed in the same sense that good
conduct and treatment between human beings is deemed a good deed. The
following Hadith illustrates this point: The Prophet said, "While a man was walking
he felt thirsty and went down a well, and drank water from it. On coming
out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive
thirst. The man said, 'This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as
that of mine.' So, he (went down the well), filled his shoe with water,
caught hold of it with his teeth and climbed up and watered the dog. Allah
thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him.'' The people asked ``O
Allah's Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?'' He
replied: ``Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate (living
being).'' (Narrated by Abu Huraira -- Volume 3, Book 40, Number 551) God created man to be the guardian of the
Earth and gave him dominion over its inhabitants. Therefore, mankind is
held responsible for an injustice he has done to any of God's creatures.
The Qur'an specifies that animals function as a community in the same way
that human beings do, and all creatures have their place. The Qur'an also
shows that it is not only human beings that give praise and worship to God
through prayers but animals as well, as evident from this passage. "Seest thou not that it is Allah Whose
praises are celebrated by all beings in the heavens and on earth, and by
the birds with extended wings? Each one knows its prayer and psalm, And
Allah is aware of what they do.'' (Qur'an 22:18) In Islam, the Qur'an and Hadith give clear
guidance on several matters concerning animals, aside from their treatment
and roles. Another issue which is carefully described in the Qur'an and
Hadith is the slaughter of animals for food. In Islam, one must follow
strict guidelines from the Qur'an and Hadith on the process and proper way
of slaughter. The manner in which Muslims slaughter
animals for food is important to discuss here because the slaughter of an
animal is to be done with the least pain possible for the animal, and in
the name of God. The allowance of human beings to slaughter certain
animals for food is one ordained by God and comes with strict rules
regarding the careful procedure. When a Muslim slaughters an animal for
food, it is done in the quickest and most painless way for the animal. The
animal is placed in a comfortable position facing Qibla (the direction of
prayer). When a Muslim makes his intention to slaughter an animal he must
utter the name of Allah or say "Bismillah Allahu akbar'' (in the name of
God, God is great). The slaughtering is to be done by cutting the throat
of the animal with a sharp object. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
said: "If the blood is drained (from the animal) and the name of Allah
has been mentioned over it, you may eat of it.'' (Reported by al-Bukhari
and others) When an animal is slaughtered by a Muslim following the
correct procedure, the meat is considered "halal'' which means with
God's blessings. "And do not eat of that over which the name of Allah has
not been mentioned, for truly that is impiety....'' (6:121) The religion of Islam provides mankind with
many answers and guidance on all issues, and the humane treatment of
animals is certainly not one to be taken lightly by believing Muslims. The
large number of animal rights and protective organizations found
throughout the world could in general be seen as a signifier of man's
ultimate realization of his place in the world. Perhaps it is man's way of
preserving a part of creation that should be left free of the corruptions
of mankind. Whatever the case, animals are beautiful creations from God
and should be treated as such. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said "Whoever
is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself."
The above was a very brief discussion on Islam's views on the treatment of animals. For a more in depth discussion on several topics concerning animals in Islam, visit Muslims Against Cruelty to Animals. with permission from author |
