The word Islam comes from an Arabic root word, ‘sa-la-ma‘, which also is the root for the word salam, which means peace. But Islam is a word with multiple connotations. Concerning religion, it means peace and submission to Allah the Almighty.
Islam promotes peace, mercy, kindness, and tolerance as a way of life. And these are not limited to human beings! But maybe the greatest of all these qualities is mercy because it is one of the great qualities of Allah Himself. He is Al-Rahman and Al-Raheem, the most merciful and the most benevolent.
Allah’s mercy is mentioned in the Quran:
Say: “My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all wrong actions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (39:53)
This mercy and kindness extends to all of Allah’s creations. Read on to learn more about what the Quran and Sunnah say about kindness to animals.
Kindness to Animals in the Quran
Allah made Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) his final and most beloved messenger. Prophet Muhammed was an accurate representation of Islam and the teachings of the Quran. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was a source of mercy for all Allah’s creations, including animals.
Allah says in the Quran:
And We have sent you (O Muhammad) not but as a mercy for all creatures.(21:107)
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) practiced kindness to animals according to the teachings of the Holy Quran. The Quran mentions that all of Allah’s creations, human or non-human, are partners in this world. They all share Allah’s grace and blessings.
And the earth, He has assigned it to all living creatures. (55:10)
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) elaborated the teachings of the Quran and taught us that because animals are Allah’s creation, we must treat them with mercy and kindness. Because Allah has blessed humans with the gift of intelligence, we must act as custodians of animals and Allah’s other creations.
How to Treat Animals in Islam
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made it clear with his words and Sunnah that inflicting pain on any defenseless creature is completely unacceptable in Islam. If a person injures an animal, not only is this a great sin, but he will also be answerable to Allah the Almighty.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said:
“If someone kills a sparrow for fun, the sparrow will cry out on the Day of Judgment, ‘O Lord! That person killed me in vain! He did not kill me for any useful purpose.'” (An-Nasa’i)
Allah has clarified in the Quran that animals and humans are more alike than humans think. Additionally, Allah says that they are all made of the same material:
And Allah has created from water every living creature. Some of them crawl on their bellies, some walk on two legs, and some walk on four. Allah creates whatever He wills. Surely Allah is Most Capable of everything. (24:45)
Islam teaches humans to treat all animals (all living creatures – birds, sea creatures, and insects) with respect, care, and dignity.
He forbade the practice of cutting off the tails and manes of horses, branding animals at any soft spot of their bodies, and keeping horses saddled unnecessarily (Muslim). If Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) saw any animal over-burdened or under-fed, he would speak mildly to the owner and say,
“Fear Allah in your treatment of animals.” (Abu Dawud)
Kindness to Sacrificial Animals in Islam:
Islam advocates mercy and kindness for the sacrificial animals, too. Allah commands everyone to treat the sacrificial animal respectfully and not belittle it.
Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said:
“Allah has ordained kindness (and excellence) in everything. If the killing (of animals) is to be done, do it in the best manner, and when you slaughter, do it in the best manner, sharpen the knife and put the animal at ease.” (Muslim)
The sacrificial animals must be kept in comfort before the time of sacrifice. When being slaughtered, they must be kept from each other so they cannot see the process. Additionally, the knife used for slitting their throats must be sharp to avoid causing them undue pain.
Do Animals Pray to Allah?
All Allah’s creations submit to the Will of Allah by obeying Allah’s commands strictly. Birds fly by Allah’s command. Bees create honey as Allah instructs them. Furthermore, animals of burden work for the benefit of humans. These are just a few examples of animals and their submission to Allah. And what is the definition of a Muslim? One who submits to the will of Allah.
Therefore, we can say that animals are praying to Allah when completing the duties Allah has set for them!
“See you not that whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawabb (moving creatures, beasts), and many of mankind, prostrate themselves to Allah. But there are many (men) on whom the punishment is justified. And whomsoever Allah disgraces, none can honor him. Verily, Allah does what He wills.” (22:18)
What is the Zuljanah?
The Zuljanah was the beautiful stallion of Imam Hussein, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). Zuljanah was a gift from Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) to Imam Hussein, and he had been bred and raised by the Prophet himself.
The loyalty of horses is a well-known quality, and Zuljanah was no different. Imam Hussein loved him deeply, and he was also very loyal to Imam Hussein. When Imam Hussein wanted to enter Karbala, Zuljanah stopped and would not proceed, sensing the danger ahead. And as history taught us, he was right!
What Happened to Zuljanah?
Zuljanah’s fate after Imam Hussein’s martyrdom is not known exactly. However, some believe he took an arrow to his front while defending Hussein ibn Ali. After Hussein’s martyrdom, he returned to his family, alerting them of what happened, then lay down and died from his injuries.
What Animals Are Mentioned in the Quran?
Allah is the creator of all things on Earth, living or non-living. And Allah loves all His creations deeply. Interestingly, many chapters or Surahs in the Quran are named after an animal or insect. The Quran mentions 27 different species of animals, birds, and insects.
These animals include ones that are beneficial to humans as working animals or companions. Further, they all worship Allah in their ways, and they do as Allah commands. The animals mentioned in the Quran are:
Cow, Camel, Horse, Mule, Dog, Pig, Donkey, Monkey, ewe, Lion, Sheep, Goat, Wolf, Calf, Elephant, Whale, Birds, Crow, Hoopoe, Swallow, Quail, Frog, Snake, Worm, Ant, Honey bee, Butterfly, Spider, Lice, Mosquito and Locust.
The Surahs named after an animal or insect are:
AL-Baqarah (The Cow), AN-Naml (The Ant), AL-‘Ankabut (The Spider), AL-Fil (The Elephant), AN-Nahl (The Bee).
A religion that mentions so many creatures in its Holy Book can only advocate mercy and kindness towards them!
Conclusion
The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) lived a life of mercy, tolerance, and kindness to all humans and animals. The Prophet’s (PBUH) Sunnah shows numerous examples of kindness to animals. Islam rewards merciful behavior towards animals.
One of Prophet Muhammed’s companions asked him about rewards for serving animals:
"O Allah’s Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He replied: “There is a reward for serving any living being.” Sahih Bukhari
Muslims must show kindness and compassion towards animals, birds, and all other living creatures, and they are repeatedly forbidden from being cruel towards them.
Because Allah has made humans the custodians of animals, it does not mean that they can show any cruelty or negligence toward them. Humans are responsible for animal welfare and safety.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“A woman went to Hell because of a cat which she tied up, and did not feed it or let it eat of the vermin of the earth.” (Bad al-Khalq, 3071)
Let us all be conscious about our behavior and dealings with the innocent animals Allah has put on the Earth!
FAQs
Will animals go to heaven?
The Quran mentions that animals will also be held accountable on the Day of Judgment, but not as profoundly as humans because they did not have the mind or intelligence to do as they pleased. Additionally, after their accountability, Allah will then turn them to dust.
The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said:
“Allah will judge between His creation, jinn, humans and animals. On that Day the score will be settled between the hornless and the horned, until there are no outstanding issues left, then Allah will say, ‘Be dust!’ At that point the kafir will say, ‘Would that I were dust!’ (Sahi Muslim)
Can Muslims draw animals?
It is haraam to draw living things. it is fine to draw inanimate objects like mountains, rivers, hills, etc.
Does Islam allow pets?
Islam allows pets but with some conditions. Dogs are not allowed as pets. They are allowed only for guarding and hunting purposes. It is compulsory to take care of and show mercy to the pet properly. Many people spend much of their wealth on keeping pets; this is not allowed as it is a way of showing off or riya.
