DUTIES
TO ALL OTHER CREATED BEINGS
In the foregoing sections, those Ahadith and instructions were discussed which govern the
mutual behaviour of Muslims. The Holy Prophet's (S.A.W.) teachings and sayings also deal
with the manner of our conduct in respect to all mankind and even the other creatures of
Allah Almighty.
It is related by Jareer Ibn Abdullah (R.A.) that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said "Those
whose hearts are devoid of mercy for others, will not obtain the mercy of Allah."
The word "others" used in the hadith, includes not only the Muslims but the
non-believers too. Everyone, indeed, has a claim to kindness and compassion, no matter
what class or community he may belong to. True, sympathy and kindness towards the
non-believers and wrong-doers, however, would demand that first of all, a sorrow and
concern is felt in the heart at their plight and transgression and an effort is made to
save them. Besides this, in cases of physical or worldly want and suffering, we are
commanded to be kind and helpful to them.
This hadith actually imparts a stern warning to those who do not treat their fellow-men
with kindness and compassion and remain indifferent to their needs end difficulties.
In another hadith, narrated by Abdullah Ibn Amr (R.A.) the Prophet (S.A.W.) is reported to
have said "The Most-Merciful(i.e. Allah)will have mercy on those who are merciful.
Show compassion to the dwellers of the earth, then the One who dwells in the heavens
(Allah) will show compassion to you!"
A strong emphasis to show kindness and mercy to all the creatures of Allah on earth, with
whom one comes into contact, is contained in the hadith. It first tells that there will be
a special mercy of Allah on those who are merciful and then gives assurance that the
Almighty will show compassion to those who are compassionate to His creatures. This
emphasis, to show kindness and compassion to the "dwellers of the earth", not
only includes men of all faiths and nationalities, but also the animals and other
creatures.
A similar hadith has been reported by Anas (R.A.) and Abdullah Ibn Masud (R.A.) - The Holy
Prophet (S.A.W.) said, "All creatures are the 'Ayaal' (family) of Allah. The most
beloved to Allah, amongst His creatures, is the one who is good to His 'Ayaal' (family -
i.e. creatures).
Those who are dependent on a person for the necessities of life (like food, clothing etc.)
are called his'Ayaal'. Therefore, in this regard, all the created beings are the 'Ayaal'
of the Creator - Allah. He is the sole Cherisher and Sustainer. The above hadith, thus
explains that whoever shows kindness and sympathy to the creatures of Allah will be
deserving of His love and mercy.
Kindness to Animals
The Holy Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W.), like the earlier Prophets, permitted the use of those
animals created for the purpose of riding or carrying loads and permitted the use of flesh
of those animals which have been declared clean for food. This actually, is a blessing of
Allah Almighty and is in accordance with His commands. But at the same time, as explained
earlier, these creatures should be treated with kindness and mercy.
Abu Hurairah (R.A.) related the narration of the Prophet (S.A.W.): "Once, a traveller
(during the course of his journey) came upon a well. Feeling thirsty, he went down into
it- drank water and came out. (There was no rope nor bucket). On coming out he saw a dog
that was licking the wet earth (around the well). The man took pity and went down(into the
well- again), filled his boot, held it by the teeth, came out an d gave water to t he dog
to drink. This (simple) service to the thirsty dog pleased Allah to an extent that He
blessed the man with salvation (forgave him all his sins)". Abu Hurairah (R.A.) says
that upon hearing this, the companions (sahabah) enquired "Oh, Prophet of Allah is
there a reward for us even on removing the distress of animals?" "Yes"
replied the Prophet (S.A.W.) "(in fact) on removing the distress of every living
being!"
The mercy and benevolence of the Almighty is stirred by the display of such deeds of pity
and sympathy- due to which He grants forgiveness and salvation. It should be noted here
that the aim of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was not merely to narrate the story, but to
stress the importance of kindness and compassion to all the creatures of Allah - even to a
dog!
Severity of Cruelty to Creatures
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), on the one hand emphasised that all creatures of Allah be
treated kindly, and on the other hand warned against cruelty to them explaining that to
unnecessarily inflict pain on the creatures is a great sin.
It is reported by Suhail Ibn Hanzaliyyah (R.A.) that Rasulullah (S.A.W.) once came upon a
camel whose belly had shrunk to its back (due to starvation). On seeing it he remarked,
"Oh people! Fear Allah with regards to the dumb animals. (i.e. Do not starve them
like this). Ride them while they are in good condition (i.e. well fed) and when you leave
them, leave them in the condition that they are well!"
The moral of the hadith is that anyone who possesses an animal, should feed it properly
and then take only as much work from it as it may bear(nothing beyond its endurance).
Jabir (R.A.) narrates that once The Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) saw a donkey that had been
branded on the face, upon which he exclaimed "The person who has committed this
(cruel) act is removed from the mercy of the Lord (Creator)."
As is still practised in many places, in those days it was customary to brand animals
(like horses, donkeys, cows, etc.), with red-hot irons, as a mark of recognition. To brand
the face of the animals, which is the most sensitive part of the body, by burning a mark
on it, is definitely a most cruel act. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) felt deeply hurt on
seeing that this had been done to the poor animal, which made him utter the above
sentence. This surely was an expression of severe resentment against such cruelty!
In another hadith, related by Abdullah Ibn Umar(R.A.) the Prophet(S.A.W.) said "A
certain cruel, hard - hearted woman will be cast into Hell, (simply) because of (her
cruelty to) her cat. She held it is captivity until it died (due to starvation). She
neither gave it anything to eat, nor set it free so that it could feed on the worms and
insects of the earth.
It is clear from this hadith that the cruelty to animals is most displeasing to Allah the
Almighty, and it can lead one to hell!
These few Ahadith of the Prophet (S.A.W.) give an idea of the Islamic teachings concerning
the treatment of animals - and all creatures, but, it should be remembered that these do
not conflict with the command for killing poisonous creatures, such as snakes, scorpions
etc. which is actually an act of service to men and to other creatures of Allah.
The world has, only recently, realised the need for the prevention of cruelty to animals,
but our Holy Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W.) had taught this to mankind centuries ago!
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