By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
All praises are due to Allah alone, the Owner and Creator of the universe. The Beneficent, The Merciful. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his household, companions and all those who followed his excellent examples till the end of time.
Dear servants of Allah,
Our religion is a religion of mercy. Mercy in Islam is not limited to human beings, it extends to animals, birds, plants, and even the environment.
Allah says: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107)
My brothers and sisters, it is important to note that Allah did not say mercy to mankind only, but “to the worlds”, meaning humans, jinn, animals, and all of creation.
EVERY CREATURE IS A COMMUNITY
Allah reminds us: “There is no creature on the earth or bird that flies with its wings except that they are communities like you. We have not neglected in the Book a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.” (Qur’an 6:38)
This means animals have their own societies, needs, and rights, just as we humans do. They are not created for abuse, cruelty, or meaningless killings.
THE PROPHET’S WARNING AGAINST KILLING HARMLESS ANIMALS
In Sahih Muslim, the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him said: “There is no person who kills a sparrow or anything larger, without a just cause, except that Allah will ask him about it on the Day of Judgment.”
They asked: O Messenger of Allah, what is a just cause?
He said: “That he slaughters it to eat, not simply to kill it and throw it away.” (Muslim, 1957)
Think about this, my brothers and sisters: A small sparrow, a bird many of us may not value, is so important in the sight of Allah that its life cannot be wasted. How then about bigger animals?
EXAMPLES OF FORBIDDEN KILLING
The Prophet peace be upon him forbade killing frogs, saying: “Its croaking is tasbeeh (glorification of Allah).” (Abu Dawud, 5269)
He forbade burning ants and bees, and said: “No one should punish with fire except the Lord of Fire.” (Abu Dawud, 2675)
He prohibited killing lizards, birds, and other animals without need.
Even when companions asked about using animals for target practice, he forbade it, saying: “Do not take living beings as targets.” (Muslim, 1958)
REWARDS FOR MERCY
Dear Muslims, showing mercy to animals is not a small act. It is an act that can earn Allah’s forgiveness.
In Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet peace be upon him told the story of a man who gave water to a thirsty dog by filling his shoe from a well. Allah appreciated his act and forgave him. The companions asked: “O Messenger of Allah, is there a reward for us in serving animals?” He said: “In every living being there is a reward.” (Bukhari, 6009; Muslim, 2244)
On the other hand, the Prophet peace be upon him narrated the story of a woman punished in Hell because she tied up a cat, not feeding it nor letting it eat from the earth. (Bukhari, 3318)
One act of kindness led a man to Paradise. One act of cruelty led a woman to Hell.
THE BALANCE OF NECESSITY IN ISLAM
Islam is not extreme. Allah allowed the use of animals for food, clothing, and benefit. Allah says: “And the grazing livestock He created for you; in them is warmth and [numerous] benefits, and from them you eat.” (Qur’an 16:5)
But when slaughtering, the Prophet peace be upon him commanded: “Allah has prescribed excellence in all things. So if you kill, kill well; if you slaughter, slaughter well. Let one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal.” (Muslim, 1955)
Even when killing is allowed, mercy is required.
PRACTICAL LESSONS FOR TODAY
Children should not be encouraged to stone birds, tie up goats, or kill insects for play.
Those who cause rams and other animals to fight in the name of fun should stop it.
Farmers should treat animals kindly, not overload them with burdens. We see this happen all the time with those who transport animals from the Northern part of Nigeria to other parts.
Fishermen and hunters should not destroy more than they need.
We must not pollute rivers and forests, for they are homes for animals.
The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever kills a small bird for no reason, it will cry out to Allah on the Day of Judgment, saying: O Lord, so-and-so killed me in vain and did not kill me for any benefit.” (Nasā’ī, 4446)
Dear servants of Allah,
Islam calls us to mercy. The Prophet peace be upon him said: “The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One above the heavens will be merciful to you.” (Tirmidhi, 1924)
Let us fear Allah in how we treat His creation. Animals are a trust. We will be asked about them.
Imam Ibn Umar may Allah be pleased with him once saw some young men tying a bird and shooting at it for fun. He said: “The Prophet peace be upon him cursed the one who makes any living thing a target.” (Bukhari, 5515)
This shows that even “small acts of play” are not small in the sight of Allah.
Dear Muslims, fear Allah in all dealings with animals. Show mercy to all creatures. Do not kill except for food, protection, or benefit allowed by Shariah.
Remember that Allah may forgive all our sins for one act of kindness and He may punish for one act of cruelty.
We pray to Allah to grant us mercy, show us mercy and make us merciful to one another and to all creatures.
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah writes from the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo State Chapter.
