#Animal rights in #Islam

 Islam has been one of the earliest religions to care about animal rights. Kindness shown to animals has been promised a reward in the hereafter. Consider this line from Abu Umama, Al Tabarani: ‘He who takes pity even on a sparrow and spares its life, Allah will be merciful to him on the Day of Judgment.’

The Holy Prophet categorically forbade the fighting of animals such as bears, dogs, cocks etc. he admonished those who whipped their animals.

According to Islam human beings are not at liberty to take lives at their beck and call but only when it is necessary. Hunting of birds and animals for sport is clearly forbidden.

Animals represent the wonders of nature created by Allah and they have their own special place in the hierarchy of living beings. There is a purpose behind every living creature and humans do not possess the right to violate their lives.

Animals are divine signs for humanity to take lessons from, to get inspired by and to learn from. A bee, for example, eats only clean things, drops only sweet stuff, any branch it perches upon does not break.

Allah says, “There are [manifest] signs [of truth] in the creation of [humanity and numerous types of] animals scattered [on the earth] for those who believe [in Allah]” (45:4).
Read more »