Islam stands out as a religion that has prioritised compassion, mercy, and responsibility towards all living creatures for more than 1400 years in a world where treating animals ethically is becoming more critical. Islamic teachings place a great deal of importance on animals, not only as a component of creation but also as sentient beings with inherent rights and spiritual worth. The Qur'an, the sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the general Islamic belief that all living things are symbols of the Creator are the foundations of Muslim's reverence for animals.
This blog explores how Islam views animals, their rights, their role in creation, and how Muslims are instructed to treat them with dignity, care, and kindness.
Animals in the Qur'an: Signs of Divine Creation
Numerous verses in the Qur'an refer to animals, often highlighting their functions in nature as symbols (Ayat) that underscore Allah's majesty. The grazing habits of cattle and the engineering of hives by bees are just two examples of how animals are acknowledged and recognized as integral components of Allah's intricate design.
“There is not a creature on earth or a bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you.” (Qur’an 6:38)
This verse powerfully demonstrates how animals, like people, form communities. They have their own values, lives, and systems. Islam teaches that animals are part of the larger web of life and should be respected, not dehumanised creatures made solely for human use.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: The Model of Mercy
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, referred to as "Rahmatul-lil-Alameen" (Mercy to the Worlds), was incredibly kind to animals. Numerous hadith from his life shows that he regarded animals with love and expected others to do the same.
According to a well-known hadith, the mother bird became alarmed when the Prophet ﷺ chastised a man for removing chicks from a bird's nest. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Who has hurt this bird by taking its young? Return them to her." (Abu Dawood)
He also once told of a woman who was sentenced to Hell for imprisoning a cat and forgetting to feed it. Conversely, he praised a man who gave water to a thirsty dog, saying:
"In every living being, there is a reward." (Bukhari, Muslim)
These teachings highlight a broader Islamic ethic: mercy to all creatures is not optional but an act that brings divine reward—or punishment when neglected.
The Rights of Animals in Islam
In Islam, animals are understood to have specific rights that must not be broken. These include:
1. The Right to Food and Water
Animals require sufficient food and water. It is regarded as a serious sin to deny them food or water. It applies to both working and domestic animals, as well as captive wild animals.
2. The Right to Rest and Freedom from Overburdening
Working animals, such as camels, horses, or oxen, cannot be overworked or harmed. The Prophet ﷺ once saw a camel so emaciated that its bones were visible. He exclaimed:
“Fear Allah in these beasts who cannot speak.” (Abu Dawood)
Animals, like humans, require rest, compassion, and proper care.
3. The Right to Humane Slaughter
The rules for humane slaughter are among the most specific instances of how Islam honors animals. Islam allows meat consumption, but only under particular guidelines that prioritize reducing suffering and respecting the animal's life.
The animal must be killed quickly, with a sharp blade, and without letting it see the blade or other animals being killed. To confirm that the act is one of spiritual responsibility rather than cruelty, the name of Allah must be pronounced.
Qurbani and Ethical Sacrifice
Muslims worldwide mark Qurbani, or sacrifice, on Eid al-Adha to remember Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) readiness to offer his son as a sacrifice in submission to Allah. However, ensuring that the Qurbani is performed ethically is very important in Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed Allah has prescribed excellence in everything. When you slaughter, slaughter well.” (Muslim)
This hadith emphasizes the importance of kindness, even when it requires sacrifice. The procedure must be quick and respectful, and the animal must be handled gently and without stress. After that, the meat is given to people in need, promoting compassion and sharing.
Animals in Islamic Culture and Daily Life
Animals have been essential to Muslim societies throughout Islamic history, serving as companions and helpers in addition to being a source of food and labor. Camels were used for transportation in rugged landscapes, horses were valued in battle, and falcons were employed for hunting.
In Islamic culture, cats hold a special place, particularly in the hearts of many. There are numerous stories about the Prophet ﷺ's love of cats. According to one account, he chose to cut off his robe rather than wake his sleeping cat.
Dogs should still be treated with kindness even though they are regarded as impure in terms of ritual cleanliness. Cruelty to any dog is prohibited, but service dogs and guard dogs are permitted.
Islamic Animal Welfare Movements Today
Many Muslim-led enterprises around the world are working to promote ethical animal treatment in line with Islamic teachings. These efforts include:
-
Promoting halal and tayyib (pure, wholesome) meat practices.
-
Advocating for cruelty-free farming methods.
-
Supporting shelters for stray cats and dogs.
-
Educating communities on responsible pet ownership.
These contemporary movements are helping Muslims rediscover their spiritual obligation to care for animals, bringing Islamic principles into the modern era and making them applicable.
Final Thoughts
Respecting animals, including domestic cats, horses, farm goats, and birds, is a fundamental aspect of Islam, as they embody divine artistry and help maintain a balance in life. In the eyes of Allah, every creature matters—and those who show mercy to what is on Earth will, in return, receive mercy from the One above.
“Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself.” – Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
We should strive to exhibit kindness in our homes, communities, and daily actions, not only to honor animals but also to honor our faith.