In Islam, animals hold a significant place, not only as part of the natural world but as beings that deserve respect, kindness, and protection. The kind and merciful relationship between animals and humans in Islam is rooted in the teachings of the Quran, Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, may peace and the blessing of Allah be upon him), and the practice of early Muslims, our Sahāba (may Allah be pleased with them). Islam emphasizes compassion, stewardship, and a deep connection with all living creatures, urging believers to treat animals with special respect.

How the connection get's lost

In many parts of the world, even including regions with significant Muslim populations, the issues surrounding modern factory farming, animal cruelty, and environmental degradation have led to a disconnect between the Islamic teachings on animal welfare and actual practice. This disconnect is often driven by economic factors, lack of awareness, and the influence of modern industrial practices that prioritize profit over ethical treatment of animals.

The Quran and Hadith provide clear guidance on how Muslims should interact with animals, emphasizing compassion, mercy, and responsible stewardship. However, the pressures of modern life, urbanization, and globalization have sometimes caused people to lose sight of these fundamental teachings. Many Muslims today may not be fully aware of the extensive Islamic teachings on animal welfare, or they may find it challenging to apply these principles in a world dominated by industrial agriculture and consumerism.

It's important to recognize that this disconnect is not unique to Islam—it's a global phenomenon affecting people of all faiths and backgrounds. The rapid industrialization of food production, the urbanization of societies, and the increasing distance between consumers and the sources of their food have all contributed to a general lack of awareness about animal welfare issues.

Islamic Teachings on Animal Welfare

The Quran speaks of animals as communities like human communities: "There is not an animal on earth, nor a flying creature flying on two wings, but they are peoples like unto you" (Quran 6:38). This verse establishes the fundamental principle that animals are not mere objects or resources to be exploited, but are sentient beings with their own inherent value and rights.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated exceptional kindness towards animals throughout his life. There are numerous hadith that illustrate his compassion and the high standards he set for animal treatment. One famous hadith tells of a woman who was punished in the afterlife for letting a cat die of thirst, while another speaks of a man who was forgiven his sins for giving water to a thirsty dog.

These teachings establish several key principles for the Islamic approach to animal welfare:

Prohibition of Cruelty: Islam strictly forbids causing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals. The Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed those who use living creatures as targets for practice.
Proper Care and Feeding: Those who keep animals are obligated to provide them with adequate food, water, and shelter. Neglecting these basic needs is considered a serious sin.
Respect for Life: Even when animals are used for food, Islam requires that they be treated with respect and slaughtered in the most humane way possible.
Conservation and Stewardship: Muslims are called to be stewards of the earth and all its creatures, working to preserve and protect the natural world.

The Spiritual Dimension

Beyond the practical aspects of animal welfare, Islam also recognizes the spiritual benefits of showing kindness to animals. The Quran and Hadith suggest that animals have their own forms of worship and consciousness, and that showing mercy to them is a way of drawing closer to Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God, is kind to himself." This teaching reflects the interconnectedness of all life and the spiritual benefits that come from treating all of God's creations with compassion and respect.

Many Islamic scholars have noted that the way we treat animals reflects our character and our relationship with the divine. A person who shows cruelty to animals reveals a hardness of heart that can distance them from spiritual growth and divine mercy.

Practical Applications in Modern Life

Applying these Islamic principles in contemporary society requires both individual and collective effort. On an individual level, Muslims can:

Make conscious choices about the food they consume, seeking out sources that treat animals humanely
Support organizations and businesses that prioritize animal welfare
Educate themselves and others about Islamic teachings on animal rights
Show kindness to animals in their daily lives, whether pets, strays, or wild creatures
Support conservation efforts and environmental protection initiatives

On a community level, Muslims can work together to establish ethical standards for businesses, support animal welfare organizations, and create educational programs that raise awareness about Islamic teachings on animal rights.

Challenges and Opportunities

Implementing these principles in modern society is not without challenges. Economic pressures, lack of awareness, and the dominance of industrial practices that prioritize efficiency over ethics all present obstacles. However, there are also significant opportunities for positive change.

The growing global awareness of animal welfare issues, combined with increased access to information about Islamic teachings, creates an opportunity for Muslims to reclaim their tradition of compassion towards animals. Many Muslim scholars and activists are working to bridge the gap between traditional Islamic teachings and contemporary animal welfare concerns.

Furthermore, the principles of Islamic animal welfare align with many modern environmental and ethical movements, creating opportunities for Muslims to contribute to broader efforts to create a more compassionate and sustainable world.

Conclusion

The Islamic teachings on animal welfare reflect a deep spiritual bond between humans and the natural world. From the Quranic verses that highlight the purpose of animals in the divine plan to the Hadiths that stress compassion and mercy, Islam encourages a respectful and ethical relationship with all creatures. We as Muslims are reminded that animals are not just resources to be used, but beings with intrinsic value, deserving of care and consideration.

By following the example of our Prophet ﷺ and the teachings of the Quran, we are called to promote kindness, prevent cruelty, and protect the welfare of animals. This profound respect for animals is not just a matter of ethical conduct but a reflection of the broader Islamic principle of stewardship over the Earth—a responsibility to preserve and care for all of Allah's creations.

So what should I do?

Ensure that any meat or animal products you purchase come from companies certified to handle and slaughter animals in a halal manner.

If you have a dog, don't let anyone persuade you to abandon it or euthanize it in the name of Islam as this has absolutely nothing to do with the rulings of Islam.

When you keep any animals, always make sure you:

Provide fresh water at all times.
Offer specific foods suited to their natural preferences.
Ensure safe and comfortable lodgings that shield them from harsh weather and predators.
Protect them from aggressive behaviors within their group.
Allow them to live in a way that enables them to move as necessary.
Facilitate the coming together of males and females during mating seasons.
Harvest pure animals whose flesh is halal for food only at a sustainable rate that ensures the replenishment of future generations.
Avoid overburdening them beyond their natural capacities.
Provide consistent care, especially during sickness or old age, without neglect at any stage of their lives.
Acknowledge that they are creations of Allah the Almighty

Animals in Islam: A Deep Connection with Nature and Compassion