Animal Rights
Introduction
“Animal rights are the moral principles grounded in a belief that non-human animals should
have the independence of living as they desire without being subjected to the wishes of human
beings.”
In this world of modern age, humans are using animals to meet their own desires and fulfill
their own accomplishments without treating animals as the creatures of God. The fact is true
that human is a noble creature who is able to do according to his desires but all living creatures
including birds, insects, animals, etc. are worthy of consideration and respect.
Worst situations that animals are going through
Animals are useful for human beings as they are a source of food, leather, wool and silk, are
used for safety and transportation, etc. yet still they are not being given the rights they deserve.
Some of the worst situations that animals now in this world are going through are:
1. Testing of chemicals on animal’s i.e., rabbits skin and eyes
2. Within the first year of a baby monkey, experimenters take them away from their
mothers
3. Feathers are torn from live bird’s skin.
4. Body parts of animals are being shipped.
5. Sheep are whipped, kicked, stomped on and killed in wool industry.
6. Some animals are killed for food.1
Although there are some laws that protect animals such as Animal Welfare Act, The “28 Hour
Law”, The Humane Slaughter Act, The Endangered Species Act, The PACT (Preventing Animal
Cruelty And Torture) Act, The Lacey Act etc.
Islam and animal rights
“And the earth He laid [out] for the creatures.” 2
Even if Islam declares human as the noble creature among great number of creatures
“And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea
and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have
created, with [definite] preference.” 3
Yet still Islam has conveyed much about animal rights. Islam has taught Muslims to show
kindness and mercy on animals.
1
10 of the Worst Things Happening to Animals Today | PETA
(Ar-Rahman [55] : 10)
3
Quran [17:70]
2
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said, "A man felt very thirsty while he was on the way, there he came across
a well. He went down the well, quenched his thirst and came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog
panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. He said to himself, "This dog is suffering
from thirst as I did." So, he went down the well again and filled his shoe with water and
watered it. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him. The people said, "O Allah's
Messenger (‫ !)ﷺ‬Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He replied: "Yes, there is a
reward for serving any animate (living being)." 4
Islam declares taking care of animals as charity as described as under:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Allah's Messenger (‫ )ﷺ‬said, "There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows
seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable
gift for him." 5
Islam also mentions to show kindness to animals when it comes to sacrifice them at the time of
Eid ul Adha.
Shaddid b. Aus said:
“Two are the things which I remember Allah's Messenger (‫ )ﷺ‬having said: Verily Allah has
enjoined goodness to everything; so when you kill, kill in a good way and when you slaughter,
slaughter in a good way. So every one of you should sharpen his knife, and let the
slaughtered animal die comfortably.” 6
Conclusion
Animals are the innocent creatures of this society. In this selfish world of craze of desires and
accomplishments, their innocence is used and made into the achievements of human and given
the name of technology or advancement of modern era which is indeed wrong. In such a case,
laws have been passed to protect and enlighten rights of animals for safety and respect of
animals. Islam has also highlighted rights of animals and is driving Muslims to show respect,
kindness and mercy on animals as they are also worthy creatures of this society yet treated as
they are nothing. For this ethical issue, each and every member of community should pay
attention and give respect to rights of animals so that they can also live a life of freedom with
no danger from at least humans.
4
Sahih Al Bukhari 2466
Sahih Al Bukhari 2320
6
Sahih Muslim 5055
5