Imam Kazim (peace be upon him) says: “Consider God regarding those under your authority and the speechless creatures (animals).” It was asked, “Who are the speechless creatures?” He replied, “The sheep, the cat, the pigeon, and others like them.”[1]
Animals have countless benefits and effects in human life. Allah, the Almighty, has provided numerous blessings for humans through the creation of animals.
In the Qur’an, there are chapters named after various animals, such as “Al-An’am” (Cattle), “Al-Baqara” (The Cow), “Al-Fil” (The Elephant), “An-Nahl” (The Bee), “An-Naml” (The Ant), and “Al-Ankabut” (The Spider), showing the close relationship between human life and animals.
Therefore, Islam has established rights and duties for humans in their interaction with both domesticated and wild animals. It has laid down rules for providing water, food, and other necessary needs for animals, and forbids oppression toward them.
Islam emphasizes good treatment, tolerance, and the proper use of animals. It does not allow humans, based on their supposed superiority over other creatures, to disregard the status and rights of animals.
This is why Imam Musa bin Ja’far (peace be upon them) advised that we keep God in mind when dealing with animals. This means that our behavior should not be cruel or unjust to them in a way that would displease Allah.
Animals have rights that must be respected, and in Islamic law, there are specific legal chapters regarding this matter.
For example, it is stated: “An animal should not be overburdened beyond its capacity. It is prohibited to load an animal with excessive weight, make it travel long distances without rest, or have three people ride one animal.”[2]
Additionally, the basic needs of animals are regarded as their rights in Islam, and it is the duty of humans to fulfill these needs. The most fundamental of these rights, as implied by their right to life, include providing them with food, water, proper shelter, ensuring their comfort and security at night, and protecting them from harm and mistreatment.
Imam Kazim (peace be upon him) also mentioned that one of the signs of a noble character is that animals under human care should be fattened and well-nourished (with adequate food and water).[3]
(Adapted from the book “Mafatih al-Hayat,” by Ayatollah Jawadi Amoli)
Footnotes:
[1] Makarim al-Akhlaq, p. 129
[2] Jawahir al-Kalam, Vol. 31, p. 397
[3] Al-Kafi, Vol. 6, p. 479