Animals in Islam

Anayat Durrani

It is often said that Americans spend more money and effort on rescuing a beached whale or suffering animal then they do on the average human being. In the United States there are a large and growing number of national animal rights and protective organizations. The World Animal Net Directory, which is the world's largest database of animal protection societies, has close to 10,000 listings of organizations.

The Muslim world may not have as many animal rights and protective organizations, but within the tenets of Islam are found strong support and guidelines for the protection and treatment of animals.

In the Qur'an and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet), it is emphasized that animals be treated as humanely as any other of God's vast creation. The Qur'an goes as far to say that cruelty to animals is equivalent to cruel treatment of a human being. Kind treatment of animals is considered a good deed in the same sense that good conduct and treatment between human beings is deemed a good deed. The following Hadith illustrates this point:

The Prophet said, "While a man was walking he felt thirsty and went down a well, and drank water from it. On coming out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said, 'This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as that of mine.' So, he (went down the well), filled his shoe with water, caught hold of it with his teeth and climbed up and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him.'' The people asked ``O Allah's Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?'' He replied: ``Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate (living being).'' (Narrated by Abu Huraira -- Volume 3, Book 40, Number 551)

God created man to be the guardian of the Earth and gave him dominion over its inhabitants. Therefore, mankind is held responsible for an injustice he has done to any of God's creatures. The Qur'an specifies that animals function as a community in the same way that human beings do, and all creatures have their place. The Qur'an also shows that it is not only human beings that give praise and worship to God through prayers but animals as well, as evident from this passage.

"Seest thou not that it is Allah Whose praises are celebrated by all beings in the heavens and on earth, and by the birds with extended wings? Each one knows its prayer and psalm, And Allah is aware of what they do.'' (Qur'an 22:18)

In Islam, the Qur'an and Hadith give clear guidance on several matters concerning animals, aside from their treatment and roles. Another issue which is carefully described in the Qur'an and Hadith is the slaughter of animals for food. In Islam, one must follow strict guidelines from the Qur'an and Hadith on the process and proper way of slaughter.

The manner in which Muslims slaughter animals for food is important to discuss here because the slaughter of an animal is to be done with the least pain possible for the animal, and in the name of God. The allowance of human beings to slaughter certain animals for food is one ordained by God and comes with strict rules regarding the careful procedure. When a Muslim slaughters an animal for food, it is done in the quickest and most painless way for the animal.

The animal is placed in a comfortable position facing Qibla (the direction of prayer). When a Muslim makes his intention to slaughter an animal he must utter the name of Allah or say "Bismillah Allahu akbar'' (in the name of God, God is great). The slaughtering is to be done by cutting the throat of the animal with a sharp object. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "If the blood is drained (from the animal) and the name of Allah has been mentioned over it, you may eat of it.'' (Reported by al-Bukhari and others) When an animal is slaughtered by a Muslim following the correct procedure, the meat is considered "halal'' which means with God's blessings. "And do not eat of that over which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for truly that is impiety....'' (6:121)

The religion of Islam provides mankind with many answers and guidance on all issues, and the humane treatment of animals is certainly not one to be taken lightly by believing Muslims. The large number of animal rights and protective organizations found throughout the world could in general be seen as a signifier of man's ultimate realization of his place in the world. Perhaps it is man's way of preserving a part of creation that should be left free of the corruptions of mankind. Whatever the case, animals are beautiful creations from God and should be treated as such. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself."