What the Prophet says about kindness to animals constitutes one of the most profound chapters in Islamic ethics, proving that mercy (Rahmah) is a universal mandate. While many associate Islam primarily with ritual and law, the heartbeat of the faith is compassion for all creation. The word Islam is derived from the root ‘sa-la-ma’, which also forms the word salam, meaning peace. This way of life promotes dignity, respect, and justice, all of which are tempered by a deep-seated care for every living being.

In the Qur’an, Allah describes Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as a gift to all of existence: “And We have sent you (O Muhammad) not but as a mercy for all creatures” (Al-Anbiya’ 21:107). This established a code of conduct that transformed how the world views animal rights and environmental stewardship long before modern movements began.

The Theology of Mercy: Animals as Signs of the Creator

Mercy is an ethereal quality that embodies gentleness, piety, care, love, and forgiveness. When these qualities are observed in our daily lives, they serve as a mere reflection of Allah’s infinite mercy towards His creation. Allah the Almighty states that the Qur’an was revealed as “guidance, and a mercy to a people who believe” (Al-A`raf 7:52).

Because animals are a vital part of Allah’s creation, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught that they should be treated with dignity. In the Islamic worldview, animals are not “things” to be used without consequence; they are communities that glorify their Creator. Every time we show kindness to a creature, we are fulfilling a part of our own faith and acknowledging the “signs” of God in nature.

The Role of Khilafah: Humankind as Custodians of Creation

The traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) remind us that humankind was put on this earth to be the Khalifa, or custodian. This position does not grant us the right to dominate or exploit; rather, it is a heavy responsibility of guardianship.

Everything what the Prophet says about kindness to animals makes it clear that causing defenseless creatures pain is a breach of this divine trust. We are answerable to Allah for how we handle this custodianship. The Prophet’s words and behavior establish that cruelty to animals is not just a social ill, but a spiritual transgression for which one will be held to account on the Day of Judgment.

Physical Mercy: Protecting the Body from Pain

Islam demands that humankind treat all living creatures—including birds, insects, and sea creatures—with respect. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) set specific precedents to ensure physical well-being:

  • Abolishing Mutilation: He strictly forbade the practice of cutting the tails and manes of horses or branding animals on sensitive spots like the face or soft skin.
  • Preventing Over-burdening: If the Prophet saw an animal that was over-burdened or ill-fed, he would speak mildly to the owner and say: “Fear Allah in your treatment of animals” (Abu Dawud).
  • Ensuring Rest: He forbade keeping horses saddled unnecessarily, recognizing that animals require rest and relief from labor just as humans do.
  • Prohibiting Cruel Traditions: Before Islam, it was common to cut off parts of living animals for food. The Prophet stopped this immediately, declaring: “Whatever is cut off an animal while it is still alive, is carrion” (At-Tirmidhi).

Mental and Emotional Mercy: Respecting Animal Sentience

A revolutionary aspect of what the Prophet says about kindness to animals is the recognition of animal psychology. Refraining from physical violence is only the baseline; Islam also prohibits mental and emotional cruelty.

One of the Prophet’s Companions narrated a journey where they took two chicks from a bird. The mother bird circled in the air, beating its wings in grief. Upon returning, Prophet Muhammad asked: “Who has distressed this bird by taking its chicks? Return them to her” (Abu Dawud). This incident proves that even the emotional distress of a bird is a serious matter in the eyes of God. It highlights a level of sentience in animals that modern science is only recently beginning to fully appreciate.

Ethical Slaughter: The Best Manner of Taking Life

While Islam permits the use of certain animals for food, the rules for slaughter are extremely strict to minimize suffering. Excellence (Ihsan) must be applied even in the act of taking a life.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah has ordained kindness (and excellence) in everything. If the killing (of animals) is to be done, do it in the best manner… sharpen the knife and put the animal at ease” (Muslim). To ensure this “best manner,” Islam requires:

  • The blade must be razor-sharp to ensure an instantaneous end.
  • The knife must never be sharpened in front of the animal.
  • An animal must never be slaughtered in the sight of another, as this causes unnecessary psychological trauma.

The Sparrow’s Complaint: Spiritual Accountability

A true believer demonstrates faith by respecting the entire creation. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned that those who violate the rights of animals will face justice in the Hereafter. He said: “Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause, Allah will hold him accountable on the Day of Judgment.” When asked what a “just cause” was, he replied: “That he will kill it to eat, not simply to chop off its head and then throw it away” (An-Nasa’i).

Another tradition notes: “If someone kills a sparrow for fun, the sparrow will cry out on the Day of Judgment, ‘O Lord! That person killed me in vain!’” (An-Nasa’i). This reminds us that in the court of Allah, every creature has a voice and the right to seek justice against human oppression.

Conclusion: Striking the Balance

Humankind must strike a balance in their treatment of animals. While animals were put on this earth for our benefit, they are not our slaves to abuse. They occupy a level of creation that requires our active care, including the provision of food, water, and shelter.

Living creatures must not be overburdened or tortured; doing so results in spiritual ruin. Conversely, showing mercy to an animal can be a means of salvation. A famous tradition tells of a man who was forgiven for his sins simply because he climbed down a well to fetch water for a thirsty dog. What the Prophet says about kindness to animals serves as a shining example of how a heart filled with faith must necessarily be a heart filled with mercy for all that exists.

By Aisha Stacey