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 When we mention the religion of Islam, often the first
word that comes to mind is peace. The word Islam is derived from the infinitive
‘sa-la’ma’ which also is the root for the word salam, which means peace.
Islam is a way of life that promotes peace, dignity, respect, tolerance,
justice and mercy and all of these qualities are tempered with serenity (calmness)
that comes from submission to God. Perhaps the greatest of these qualities is
mercy. It is one of the overriding themes throughout the Quran.
“Certainly, We have brought them a Book (the Quran) which We
have explained in detail with knowledge, - guidance, and a mercy to a people
who believe.” (Quran 7:52)
Mercy is that ethereal quality that embodies gentleness,
piety, care, consideration, love, and forgiveness. When these qualities
are observable in this world, they are a mere reflection of God’s mercy towards
His creation. God said clearly that Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, was
a mercy for all of creation, not just his family and friends or the Arab
nation, or the people of the 7th century CE, and not for human
beings alone.
“And We have sent you O Muhammad not but as a mercy for all of
humankind, jinn, and all that exists.” (Quran 21:107)
Prophet Muhammad was the embodiment of mercy, he showed
compassion to all those around him, family, orphans, friends, strangers and
even enemies. He also treated the environment and animals with respect and
mercy. He taught his followers that because animals were part of God’s
creation they should be treated with dignity and due care.
The traditions of Prophet Muhammad remind us that humankind
was put on this earth to be the custodian of God’s creation. Treating
animals with kindness and mercy is just one of the responsibilities embedded in
that custodianship. Prophet Muhammad’s words and behaviour make it clear that causing
defenceless creatures pain and suffering is not only completely unacceptable,
but we will also be answerable to God for such actions.
“If someone kills a sparrow for sport, the sparrow
will cry out on the Day of Judgment, “O Lord! That person killed me in vain! He
did not kill me for any useful purpose.”
The Prophet, may God praise him, said, “Whoever kills
a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause, God will hold him
accountable on the Day of Judgment.” The listeners asked, “O Messenger of God,
what is a just cause?” He replied, “That he will kill it to eat, not simply to
chop off its head and then throw it away.”
Islam expects humankind to treat all animals (all living
creatures - birds, sea creatures, and insects) with respect and dignity. Prophet
Muhammad continuously advised people to show kindness. He forbade the practice
of cutting tails and manes of horses, of branding animals at any soft spot, and
of keeping horses saddled unnecessarily. If
the Prophet saw, any animal over-burdened or ill fed he would speak mildly to the
owner and say, “Fear God in your treatment of animals.”
However, refraining from physical cruelty is not enough;
abstaining from mental cruelty is equally as important. Even a bird’s
emotional distress should be treated seriously. One of Prophet Muhammad’s
companions narrates, “We were on a journey and during the Prophet’s absence,
we saw a bird with its two chicks; we took them. The mother bird was circling
above us in the air, beating its wings in grief. When Prophet Muhammad returned
he said, “Who has hurt the feelings of this bird by taking its chicks? Return
them to her.”
In another narration, a Companion of the Prophet came to
him carrying baby chicks in his clothing and mentioned that the mother bird had
hovered over them. He was directed to return the chicks back to the same bush.
In pre Islamic times, pagan superstitions and
polytheistic practices included acts of torture and cruelty to animals. Islam
condemned this and put a stop to all such practices. When Prophet Muhammad and
his companions migrated to Medina, they noticed that people cut off camels’
humps and the fat tails of sheep for food. The Prophet forbade them from them
from doing this and said, “Whatever is cut off an animal while it is still alive,
is carrion and is unlawful to eat.”
In Islam, the rules pertaining to slaughtering animals
are very strict and fixed. Protecting animals from pain and undue suffering is
paramount.
“God
has ordained kindness (and excellence) in everything. If the killing (of
animals) is to be done, do it in the best manner, and when you slaughter, do it
in the best manner by first sharpening the knife, and putting the animal at
ease.”
When
you set your dog (for the chase), mention the name of God if he catches the
game, and you reach it while it is still alive, cut, its throat quickly (so it
won’t suffer).”
Humankind must strike a balance in their treatment of
animals. All living creatures were put on this earth by God for our benefit.
They are not at the same level as human beings but neither should they be
treated cruelly. It is humankind’s responsibility to see that they have food,
water, and shelter from the elements. Living creatures must not be
overburdened, abused, or tortured and doing so will surely result in God’s just
punishment. A true believer in God demonstrates his or her belief by
respecting the entire creation, and Prophet Muhammad’s character and actions
are a shinning example of respect for all that exists.
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