The Teachings of Muhammad on Animal Welfare in Islam

In the religion of Islam, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasize the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. According to Islamic beliefs, animals are conscious beings that can praise God without using human language. This article will explore how Islam and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) address the treatment of animals, and whether there is any instruction to abuse them.

Animals and God in Islam

Islam teaches that animals are conscious of God and can praise Him in ways that may not be apparent to humans. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, mentions that animals have their own forms of worship and praise to God. (Source: [1])

Prohibition of Baiting Animals for Entertainment or Gambling

Ableitng animals for entertainment or gambling is strictly prohibited in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of preserving the wellbeing and dignity of animals, stating that it is not permissible to abuse or mistreat them. (Source: [3])

Harmful Activities Involving Animals

The Quran specifically prohibits killing animals unnecessarily, except for food or to prevent them from harming people. This directive emphasizes the responsibility that humans have towards animals, ensuring that they are not subjected to unnecessary suffering. (Source: [2])

According to numerous authentic Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)), animals are granted the same status as human beings in terms of respect and care. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed: "There is no servant who does a good deed for an animal, such as giving it water or milking it, but there is a reward for doing so... and there is no believer whose tracks are more hateful in the sight of God than those of a man who kills a bird or any other creature." (Source: [5])

Refutation of Misconceptions

Some critics find fault with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by pointing out the weak points in human societies, such as the lack of morality in treating women and children. However, it is crucial to distinguish between legitimate criticisms of broader social issues and the teachings specifically related to animal welfare and their application in Islamic tradition.

Islam places a high value on justice, mercy, and compassion, not only towards humans but also towards all living beings, including animals. The principles of treating animals kindly and with respect are central to Islamic teachings, reflecting the overarching values of the religion. (Source: [6])

Conclusion

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Islam unequivocally condemn the abuse or mistreatment of animals. These teachings emphasize the importance of treating animals with kindness, respect, and compassion. The prohibition against baiting animals for entertainment or gambling, as well as the directive against killing animals unnecessarily, are clear indications of the Islamic stance on the humane treatment of animals.

While societal shortcomings may still exist, the core teachings of Islam remain a call to act with mercy and justice towards all living beings. Islam provides a comprehensive code of conduct that seeks to uplift and protect the dignity of all life, which is why the treatment of animals is an integral part of Islamic ethics.

[1] Quran, Surah Al-A’rāf, Verse 179: "The partridges and sparrows beg thee for a mass (of food) with their young begging thee. Give them indeed of the sustenance of the Earth, and do not commit abuse on the Earth, making mischief."

[2] Quran, Surah Al-Ma'ida, Verse 4: "And do not throw yourselves by your own hands into destruction (by killing). And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good."

[3] Quran, Surah Al-Maa'oon, Verse 4: "And do not say to the one who gives you (of) his provision, 'You have nothing;' nor turn away refuse-feeder (i.e. the poor) from the refuse-feeder's way (i.e. do not prevent him from giving alms). And if you have to turn away, then turn away decently, and (in any case) do not (use the hand to) cast it (refusing) first as though by throwing a stone at the head (of the poor man); that would be a great transgression."

[4] Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 173: "And do not kill your children for fear of poverty; We provide for you and for them."

[5] Hadith: Muslim, Book 25, Hadith 4777: "There is no believer whose tracks are more hateful in the sight of God than those of a man who kills a birds nest or any other creature."

[6] Hadith: Muslim, Book 25, Hadith 4776: "Allah … loves kindness in all things and He hates anything harsh and severe."