Rights Of Animals In Islam

Bismillah Hir Rehman Ir Raheem
Start In the Name Of Allah The Most Beneficent The Most Merciful

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Hurting, Abusing and mistreating an animal is a sin in Islam The Quran describes that animals form communities, just as humans do:
"There is not an animal that lives on 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" [Quran 6:38]
Islam is more than just a religion, it's a way of life. Because of this, Islam includes rules for its followers in all sorts of areas of life, from how to pray to how to conduct business, and this includes how to treat animals. Islam instructs its followers to be kind to animals and show love for all living things. Islam came at a time where animals were treated very poorly and as if they had no feelings. Islam was a pioneer for animal rights. As the Quran says,
"We have not sent you (Muhammad) but as a mercy to the worlds." [21:107]

The mercy of Islam extends beyond human beings to all living creations of God. Islam prohibits cruelty to animals. Fourteen hundred years ago, long before the modern animal rights movement began with the publication of Peter Singer’s book, “Animal Liberation,” in 1975, Islam required kindness to animals and cruelty to them a sufficient reason for a person to be thrown into the Fire! Once, the Prophet of Mercy spoke of God’s forgiveness due to the humane treatment of animals. He told his companions the story of a man who got thirsty on his way. He found a well, climbed down inside it to the water, and quenched his thirst. When he came out he saw a panting dog licking on mud out of extreme thirst. The man thought to himself, ‘The dog has become as thirsty as I was!’ The man went down the well again and got some water for the dog. God appreciated his good work and forgave him. The companions asked, ‘O Prophet of God, do we get rewarded on humane treatment of animals?’ He said,‘There is a reward in (doing good to) every living being.’ [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]

Killing animals for fun, or torturing them, is strictly forbidden in Islam. Hunting animals for sport is also not allowed in Islam. Setting animals against each other, such as in cock fights, is forbidden, as is using animals for target practice. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, "There is no man who kills [even] a sparrow or anything smaller, without its deserving it, but Allah (God) will question him about it [on the Day of Judgment]," and "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself." The Prophet cursed one who kills a living creature as a mere sport (as in hunting) (Muslim).

Animals and other living things were created by Allah, the Lord of the Universe. They have their own independent existences and modes of living. While compassion towards animals is a reason to go to heaven, being cruel to them can be a reason for going to hell.
Narrated By 'Abdullah bin 'Umar : Allah's Apostle said, "A lady was punished because of a cat which she had imprisoned till it died. She entered the (Hell) Fire because of it, for she neither gave it food nor water as she had imprisoned it, nor set it free to eat from the vermin of the earth." [Bukhari Vol.4, Book 56, #689]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) had a pet cat named Muezza. He cared about her so much that one day when he was getting ready to go out, he found her asleep on the sleeve of his cloak. So he cut off his sleeve rather than wake her up. There was also one of the companions of the prophet who loved cats very much, and the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) nicknamed him Abu Hurairah, which means Father of Cats

Using animals is permitted The Qur'an explicitly states that animals can be used for human benefit in a just manner
" It is Allah who provided for you all manner of livestock, that you may ride on some of them and from some you may derive your food. And other uses in them for you to satisfy your heart's desires. It is on them, as on ships, that you make your journeys" [Qur'an 40:79-80]

- Islam requires that pets or farm animals be provided with proper food, water, and a place to live.
- Islam forbids killing animals
- Animals can be use for work in a humble and just manner which does not overburden or pain them
- Islam forbids using animals or birds for targets when practicing shooting
- Separating nestling birds from their mothers is not allowed in Islam
- It is forbidden to mutilate an animal by cutting off its ears, tails or other body parts without just reason.
- A sick animal under one’s care should be treated properly
- An animal should not be beaten or tortured


Through these rules and regulations legislated in regards to animals, the Muslims gains the respect and understanding that other creatures are not to be used and abused as one wills, but that they, have rights which must be given in order to ensure that the justice and mercy of Islam be met to all which inhabit this earth.

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Also See:
Love Of Allah In Quran
Mercy Of Allah
Rememberance Of Allah
Patience In Islam
Why Hijab? Benefits Of Hijab
Hurting Someone Or Abusing Him In Islam
Rights Of Neighbor In Islam
Good Manners In Islam