In Islam, animals are regarded with kindness and compassion, and there are numerous hadiths emphasizing their respectful treatment. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that showing kindness to any living creature, including animals, is rewarded by Allah. For example, a well-known hadith mentions a man and a prostitute who were both rewarded for giving water to a thirsty dog, indicating that mercy to animals earns divine favor. The Prophet said that a reward is given for every act of kindness toward living creatures, equating moral acts toward animals with those toward humans. Furthermore, hurting or maiming animals is strongly forbidden, and the Prophet cursed those who harm animals unnecessarily. Treating animals well is seen as a sign of faith and compassion, with accounts that cruelty to animals could lead to punishment in the afterlife while kindness leads to rewards in Paradise.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught kindness to animals through Hadiths, such as rewarding a man for giving water to a thirsty dog and condemning cruelty like overburdening beasts. The Quran views animals as communities praising Allah (Surah An-Nur 24:41), urging humane treatment in slaughter and daily care. These principles position animal welfare as a rewarded moral act, equal to kindness towards humans.
Islamic Teachings on Animal Rights
Islam recognizes animals as part of God’s creation deserving justice and mercy. The Qur’an and hadith affirm that animals benefit humans and praise God in their way. Ethical treatment includes not overburdening them, proper care while domesticated, and prohibition of unnecessary harm or killing.
Spiritual and Moral Significance
Animals are considered part of Allah’s family. Compassion toward them reflects one’s character and impacts one’s standing in the Hereafter. Mercy extended to animals is rewarded just as mercy to humans is, reinforcing an ethical obligation toward all living beings in Islam.
These teachings underscore that animals have intrinsic value and rights that Muslims are obliged to respect and protect.
Hadith about Cats
The Prophet Muhammad said that cats are not impure and can freely mingle among people in homes. Owners may even perform ablution with water a cat has drunk from, indicating their cleanliness.
There is a well-known narration where a woman was punished in the afterlife for imprisoning a cat and not feeding it, highlighting the importance of mercy and kindness toward cats.
A narration attributed to the Prophet describes affection for cats as a sign of faith, though this particular narration’s attribution is considered weak or less authentic in scholarly circles.
Hadith about Dogs
Islam allows keeping dogs for permitted purposes such as hunting, farming, and guarding livestock. The Prophet said angels do not enter a house with a dog, except for dogs kept for necessity such as herding or security.
There is a narration that a person gained God’s forgiveness for giving water to a thirsty dog, illustrating kindness and compassion toward them.
The Prophet forbade keeping dogs without reason, stating the owner’s rewards are reduced daily, except for dogs used for guarding or hunting.
Dogs are mentioned explicitly in the Quran multiple times, including the story of the Companions of the Cave and their loyal dog (Surah Al-Kahf 18:18). Dogs are permitted for hunting and guarding, and the Quran does not call them impure, although Islamic law has specific rulings on ritual purity related to dog saliva (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:4). The Quran presents dogs neutrally or positively but instructs the responsible role they play.
Hadith about Birds
Birds are mentioned extensively in the Quran, with the word “طائر” (bird) appearing around 18 times. Verses remind people to observe birds as signs of God’s creation and control, emphasizing their roles and communities like humans. Certain birds like the hoopoe have roles in Quranic stories (Surah An-Naml 27:20-28). The Quran promotes respect and observation of birds as part of the natural world.
Islam teaches profound kindness and mercy toward all animals, emphasizing that they are part of Allah’s creation deserving respect and gentle treatment. The Prophet Muhammad exemplified this through numerous teachings and actions, instructing that kindness to animals carries the same moral weight as kindness to humans. He forbade cruelty and neglect, warning that harming animals invites Allah’s curse and that believers will be held accountable for their treatment of all creatures. Even acts of indirect kindness, like providing water or shelter to animals, are rewarded by Allah. Islam views animals as part of a larger family of creation, highlighting compassion as a core value in human interaction with living beings. This ethical responsibility underscores humans’ role as caretakers of the earth and its creatures, rooted deeply in both the Quran and prophetic traditions.
This comprehensive regard for animal welfare aligns with Quranic verses and ahadith encouraging mercy, justice, and empathy, reflecting that true faith is demonstrated not only in worship but also in one’s conduct toward all living beings.
