By Hassan T Bwambale
World Animal Day is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4. It serves as an opportunity for organizations and individuals to unite in making animal welfare a global priority. Together, we can create change by recognizing that taking care of animals is an important aspect of worship in Islam.
All living beings — humans, birds, animals and insects — are worthy of consideration and respect. Islam views animals as a special part of God’s creation, and humans are responsible for their well-being. The Noble Quran, Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) traditions, and Islamic history provide numerous examples of kindness, mercy and compassion towards animals. In the Noble Quran, Almighty Allah states, translated as: "And there is not a (single) beast (treading) on the earth, nor a bird flying with its two wings, but they are communities like you...” (Al-An’am 6:38). This verse emphasizes that animals have their own communities and rights, similar to humans.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated compassion toward animals. In one narration, Abdullah bin Ja’far bin Abi Talib (RA) recounted that the Prophet (PBUH) saw a distressed camel and asked about its owner. When the owner stepped forward, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Fear Allah regarding how you treat these animals. This camel has complained to me that you overwork it and do not feed it well.” (Authentic, Sahih Abi Dawoud #2,549). This hadeeth highlights the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect.
Islam mandates that animal owners provide food and drink to their animals. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned that neglecting this duty leads to severe consequences. Abu Huraira (RA) narrated: "A woman entered Hellfire because of a cat she had caged. She neither fed it nor allowed it to eat the vermin and insects of the earth until it died.” (Muslim #2,619).
In another narration, a man quenched the thirst of a dog by filling his shoe with water from a well. The Prophet (PBUH) said that Allah rewarded him for this good deed, teaching that "there is a reward for serving any living creature.” (Bukhari #2,363).
Animals offer numerous benefits in Islam. Animals like horses, camels, oxen and even elephants assist with transportation and farming, while dogs provide security and aid in hunting and shepherding. Several animals, such as dogs, horses, donkeys and cattle are mentioned in the Noble Quran as beneficial to humans (eg, An-Nahl 16:8). Animals provide milk, eggs, honey, meat and other nutritious products. Insects like bees help with pollination, indirectly supplying us with fruits. Allah reminds us to be grateful and ethical in our treatment of animals that provide us with sustenance (An-Nahl 16:114).
From sheep’s wool to silkworms’ silk, animals provide materials for clothing and furnishings. Allah says, translated as: "...And for you in cattle, in their wool, fur and hair are (manifold) furnishings and utility for a preordained time.” (An-Nahl 16:80). Animals can be affectionate, playful and loyal, providing emotional support and happiness. The companionship they offer is a blessing often overlooked.
Prophet Muhammad’s Companion, Abu Hurairah (RA), whose name means "father of a kitten”, was known for his love of animals. He would play with his kitten daily, and this compassionate behavior earned him this affectionate nickname. Animals enrich our lives in countless ways. As Muslims, we should always strive to fulfill our responsibilities toward them by treating them with kindness, compassion and respect.
NOTE: Courtesy of Kuwaiti Society for Cultural Dialogue, which is a non-profit charity society and an educational hub for English-speaking expatriates in Kuwait.
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