Islam teaches us to show mercy and kindness to all living beings, including animals. It is forbidden to show cruelty, such as overburdening, neglecting, or abusing animals. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of treating animals with compassion and taught that every act of mercy toward animals is rewarded by Allah. In this article, we will explore some examples of kindness to animals mentioned in Hadith, and how we are accountable for our treatment of them.
Lessons From Hadith About Kindness to Animals
Let’s go through some Hadiths that shed light on kindness towards the animals.
1. Virtue of Feeding Animals
It is a good act to feed animals as it is an act of kindness which shows how much we care for the creations of Allah. Helping an animal by giving it food or water is a way of supporting its life and at the same time, it will be a form of blessing.
The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He said, “(Yes) There is a reward for serving any animate (living being) – Sahih al-Bukhari 6009
Read the full Hadith here.
2. Reward For Showing Kindness to Animals
It is important to look after animals, feed them, or save them from being harmed as this is an act of kindness and mercy which are very dear to Allah. These small acts of kindness not only benefit creatures but also bring spiritual blessings and draw one closer to Allah SWT.
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said,
“A prostitute was forgiven by Allah, because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it. So, Allah forgave her because of that.” – Sahih al-Bukhari 3321
3. Showing Respect For Animal’s Emotions
Islam teaches us to show respect and help all living beings, including animals. They also have feelings such as pain, fear, and comfort, which we as human beings have. By respecting their feelings, we are implementing the Islamic values of being compassionate and merciful to all creatures.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) once noticed a bird feeling disturbed because someone had taken its chick.
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas’ud:
We were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) during a journey. He went to ease himself. We saw a bird with her two young ones and we captured her young ones. The bird came and began to spread its wings. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came and said: Who grieved this for its young ones? Return its young ones to it. – Sunan Abi Dawud 2675
4. Accountability For Animal Cruelty
It is a serious sin to be cruel to animals in Islam, as they are living beings created by Allah SWT. We must always treat them with love & mercy, and ensure they’re not harmed unnecessarily. Look at the Hadith below, a woman who faced severe punishment for mistreating a cat.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“A woman entered the (Hell) Fire because of a cat which she had tied, neither giving it food nor setting it free to eat from the vermin of the earth.” – Sahih al-Bukhari 3318
5. Do Not Overburden The Animals
It is against the teachings of Islam to force animals to work under pressure or to torture them. They should be given food and allowed to sleep and should not be handled roughly. Let’s look at the hadith below for a better understanding.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came upon an emaciated camel and said: Fear Allah regarding these dumb animals. Ride them when they are in good condition and feed them when they are in good condition. – Sunan Abi Dawud 2548
So today, as we have learned from the hadith about being kind to animals, let’s start being more compassionate towards animals and all living beings. Indeed, every creature deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. Also, it’s important to note that, every act of compassion no matter how small is blessed by Allah SWT.
