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Islam places significant emphasis on the ethical treatment of animals, outlining guidelines for their welfare, proper care, and humane treatment. The Quran and Hadith provide clear instructions regarding animals, highlighting the importance of compassion and respect towards all living beings. Here is a detailed exploration of what Islam says about animals:

Animals as Signs of Allah's Creation

Islam teaches that animals are among the signs of Allah's creation and should be treated with respect and care. The Quran mentions: "And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord, they will be gathered" (Quran 6:38).

Compassion and Kindness towards Animals

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of showing kindness and compassion to all living creatures. He said: "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God, he is kind to himself."

Prohibition of Cruelty to Animals:

Islam strictly prohibits any form of cruelty or mistreatment towards animals. Muslims who choose to keep pets take on responsibility for their care and wellbeing, including appropriate food, water, and shelter. Prophet Muhammad said: "A woman was punished in Hell because of a cat which she had confined until it died. She did not give it to eat or to drink when it was confined, nor did she free it so that it might eat the insects of the earth."

Animals' Rights to Proper Treatment

According to Islamic teachings, animals have rights that must be respected. These include the right to proper food, water, shelter, and humane treatment. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Fear Allah regarding animals, and ride them when they are in good condition and feed them when they are in good condition."

Prohibition of wasteful killing

- Islam prohibits the wasteful killing of animals. Allah says in the Quran: "And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right" (Quran 17:33). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the sanctity of life, stating that taking the life of one innocent person is akin to killing all of humanity.

Mercy towards Animals

Islam teaches that showing mercy towards animals is a means of earning Allah's pleasure. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever is merciful even to a sparrow, Allah will be merciful to him on the Day of Judgment."

Prohibition of Mutilating Animals

Mutilating animals or causing them unnecessary harm is strictly prohibited in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There is a reward for serving any living being.

Prohibition of Overburdening Animals

Islam prohibits overburdening animals beyond their capacity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Do not use the backs of your animals as chairs. Allah has made them subject to you, that by them you may reach places that you could not otherwise reach except with great fatigue."

Prohibition of Animal Fighting

Islam prohibits any form of animal fighting or cruelty for entertainment or sport. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There is no obedience to Allah in the disobedience of Allah. Verily, it is not permissible to shed the blood of an animal that is tied."

Reward for Showing Kindness to Animals

Islam teaches that showing kindness to animals is a means of earning reward from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "A good deed done to an animal is as meritorious as a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being."

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Thus, Islam emphasizes the ethical treatment of animals, highlighting the importance of compassion, kindness, and respect towards all living beings. Muslims are encouraged to treat animals with care and to fulfill their rights as prescribed by Islamic teachings. By doing so, they earn Allah's pleasure and blessings in this life and the Hereafter.