Animals occupy a special place in Islam. They are not merely resources for human use. They are living beings created by Allah with dignity and purpose. Both the Qur’an and the Hadith provide extensive guidance on the ethical treatment of animals, stressing compassion, mercy, and accountability. Islam teaches that how humans treat animals reflects their faith and moral character.

Animals in the Qur’an

The Qur’an reminds believers that animals are communities in their own right. Allah says:
“There is no creature on the earth or bird that flies with its wings except that they are communities like you.” (Surah Al-An‘am 6:38).

This verse highlights that animals form societies and live under divine order, just like humans. Animals also praise Allah in their unique ways.
“Do you not see that Allah is glorified by all those in the heavens and the earth, and by the birds with wings outspread? Each one knows its prayer and its glorification.” (Surah An-Nur 24:41).

The Qur’an also encourages reflection on animals as signs of Allah’s wisdom. From the camel’s remarkable creation (Surah Al-Ghashiyah 88:17) to the bee’s contribution of honey as healing for mankind (Surah An-Nahl 16:68–69), animals are portrayed as reminders of divine mercy and power.

Conversely, cruelty brings punishment. He warned of a woman condemned to Hell for starving a cat:
“She neither fed it nor let it free to eat from the earth’s insects.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim).

Islam strictly prohibits unnecessary cruelty, hunting for sport, or using animals as mere tools for entertainment. The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade taking animals as shooting targets (Sahih Muslim 1958) and condemned overburdening them. Even when animals are used for food, Islam commands mercy. The Qur’an (Surah Al-Hajj 22:36) prescribes humane slaughter, ensuring animals are well-fed, healthy, and killed swiftly to minimize suffering.

In Islam, animals are a trust (amanah) given to humanity. They are not voiceless beings to be exploited but creations of Allah with rights that must be respected. To show mercy to them is to earn Allah’s mercy, and to harm them unjustly is to risk His punishment. The Qur’an and Hadith together establish a timeless framework of compassion, justice, and ethical coexistence. In essence, Islam calls upon believers to recognize that kindness extends beyond humans, embracing every creature that shares this earth.

Hena’s Blog For Paws © 2019 by Hena Osman is licensed under CC BY 4.0