Islam is the religion of compassion and affection. One of its objectives is to create and provide ease. The word “Islam” has been derived from peace and harmony. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) preached brotherhood, compassion, mercy, mutual cooperation and trustworthiness all of his life. He revealed a complete code of welfare for the animals as well. Cruelty to animals occurs during production, handling, transport, and slaughter in most countries where Islam is a major religion. Most of the people involved in this, such as those involved in the transport of animals, animal handlers, and butchers, are Muslims. Islam is a religion that shows compassion to animals as mentioned in the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW). According to Quranic verses and prophetic traditions, animals also have their own share of intelligence and emotions proportionate to their existential capacity. Divine Words suggest that knowledge is ubiquitous in all creatures and every single living being has a share of it within the limits of its existence. For this reason, they are all respected and human beings are required to respect them in return of the advantages that they take from them. In other words, they are of essential respect and dignity. Islamic jurisprudence has considered the observation of animal rights to be necessary for man. Although Almighty Allah created animals in different shapes as compared to human beings He endowed them with four features: knowledge of the Creator, knowledge of the way through which they should seek after their provisions, knowledge of female/male identification, and fear of death. Therefore, though in Quran and prophetic traditions it has been noted that animals are created to benefit the human beings, their exploitation should be conducted within the limits of religious requirements. Animals are so important in Islam that Almighty Allah has revealed some of the chapters of Quran after the name of some animals like Cow, Beasts, Bee, Ant, Spider, and Elephant. The basic needs of animals in Islamic Shariah are among their rights. As a result, all human beings are responsible before animal rights. And Islam has declared necessary their observation by the owner of the animal and others, and in some cases also by the religious ruler. Taking care of the health of animals is among the necessary measures that should be adopted because polluted habitat and unhealthy water and food do harm to them, and even providing the required medications for animal is necessary.
“Religious judgments are binding and their implementations are necessary for the owner of animals and others. In fact, Islam gives prioritizes animal as a being of consciousness, intelligence and perception over human carnal desires. For this reason, it considers the inappropriate exploitation of animals illegitimate”.
In prophetic traditions an emphasis has been laid on the hygiene and cleanliness of animals. In two different traditions from the Holy Prophet of Islam he has been quoted to have said: keep the sheepfolds clean, sweep the dust and straws from the floor because the animal is from the paradise. Holy Prophet (SAW) has stated: whenever you make use of animal you have to let them take a rest in resting places and do not oppress them. Luqman the Wise to have said: when you were near the resting place you must get off the dismount and whenever you want to take a rest in a station you have to stop in a green place where the animal can find grass to feed on with water. Islam insists on good treatment, tolerance in taking care of animals. Then, according to Quran and prophetic traditions, living beings, particularly the cattle, have numerous benefits for man. However, man is not allowed to ignore the animal rights on the pretext of human supremacy. Man is not allowed to abuse animals and make them play things. Moreover, Islamic religion suggests that human exploitation of animals is not unrestricted rather it is subjected to certain religious and moral regulations. Thus Islam has adopted rules and measures in defense of animals. Religious judgments are binding and their implementations are necessary for the owner of animals and others. In fact, Islam gives prioritizes animal as a being of consciousness, intelligence and perception over human carnal desires. For this reason, it considers the inappropriate exploitation of animals illegitimate.
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