Prophet's kindness to animal:
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was sent as a mercy to all creation, and his teachings and behavior towards animals set a profound example of compassion and responsibility, often emphasizing that animals are conscious communities deserving of respect rather than just tools for human use.
General teachings and compassion:
A "living soul" reward:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught that kindness to ay living creature is a moral act that brings rewards from Allah SWT.
The thirst dog story:
He narrated a story of a person who was forgiven by Allah SWT for giving water to a thirsty dog, emphasizing that showing mercy to animals is a path to receiving divine mercy.
Prevention of cruelty:
Conversely, the Prophet Muhammad SAW warned that cruel treatment of animals leads to punishment, citing the story of a woman punished for trapping and hungry a cat.
2. Specific incidents of kindness:
The complaining Camel:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW once entered a garden and found a thirsty, exhausted camel. When the camel saw him, it began to weep. The Prophet Muhammad SAW immediately sought out the owner and told him,
"Fear Allah SWT in your treatment of these animals that cannot speak".
The distressed bird:
On a journey, some companions took chicks from a bird's nest, causing the mother bird to circle in sorrow. The Prophet Muhammad SAW intervened asking,
" Who has distressed this bird by taking its chicks? Return them to her".
The Burned Nest:
Upon seeing an ant-hill that had been burned, the Prophet Muhammad SAW stated that only the Lord of Allah SWT has the right to punish with fire, prohibiting the torture of insects.
3. Rules for animal welfare:
Humane Slaughter:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught to treat animals with kindness even during Slaughter, directing that the knife should be sharpened to reduce pain, and that one animal should not be Slaughter in front of another.
No overburdening:
He prohibited overloading camels and donkeys and prevented keeping them burdened unnecessarily while resting.
Branding prohibition:
He cursed someone who branded a donkey on its face, as branding should not be done on sensitive or soft spots.
4. Respect for nature:
Guardianship:
The Prophet's teachings emphasize that humans are caretakers of Allah's SWT creation, not abusers and will be answerable for their treatment.
The Merciful Prophet and kindness towards animals:
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Hazrat Abu Dawood, Imam Ahmed and others have quoted another interesting Hadith.
" Abdullah ibn Jafar was travelling with the Prophet Muhammad SAW and he sat with him and discussed many things. One the way,the Prophet Muhammad SAW had to answer the call of nature. He noticed a huge date- farm of an Ansari companion. The Prophet Muhammad SAW made him wait outside and went inside the farm himself".
He narrates:
" As the Prophet Muhammad SAW returned, we saw a huge camel, which screamed loudly the moment it saw the Prophet Muhammad SAW. It had tears running down its eyes. The Prophet Muhammad SAW responded with an affectionate stroke on its neck. The camel stopped crying".
He asked, " whose camel is this?"
The owner, a young man, came forward.
" Do you not fear Allah SWT that Allah has appointed you over it and given you it's control? Your camel is complaining enough food to it and loading it with goods more than its capacity ".
The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught good Akhlaq towards animals even by sharing the stories of people before them:
Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim share a beautiful Hadith by Hazrat Abu Huraira RA.
" Long ago, there was a person who was travelling. He came across a well when he was thirsty. He drank water from it and as he was about to go on his way when he noticed a thirsty dog that was trying to lick the water falling on the ground but could not quench it's thirst. The man showed pity and uses his socks to bring out some water from the well. Then he squeezed it deliver water to the dog. He kept on doing it till the thirst of the dog was quenched. The Prophet Muhammad SAW conclude:
" He did a good deed towards the thirsty dog. Allah SWT honored his deed and forgave him".
This story was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad SAW by Allah SWT himself, to show how Allah SWT values good deeds even towards animals. After hearing the story, the companions asked, " Would we be rewarded for the goodness towards animal, too?".
He replied ,
" Every creation, which needs to eat to survive, if it is dealt well( with kindness), ( then the person) will be rewarded for being kind towards it".
There was a prophet before you, long back. He took a rest under a tree, during a journey. An ant bit him and disturbed his nap. He got angry and ordered all the any houses to be burnt. Allah SWT got angry and shared this story with the Prophet Muhammad SAW to be told to us so that we do not show harshness towards animals of all kinds, including insects.
The mercy of Allah SWT does not seek any compensation.
Kindness to animals:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW not only preached to the people to show kindness to each other but also to all living souls, he prevented the practice of cutting tails and manes of horses, of branding animals at any soft spot, and keeping horses saddled unnecessarily, if he saw any animal over- loaded or ill- fed he would pull up the owner and say.
" Fear Allah SWT in your treatment of animals".
A companion came to him with the young ones of a bird in his sheet and said that the mother bird had honored over them all long, he was directed to replace her offspring in the same bush, during a journey, somebody picked up some birds eggs, the bird's painful note and fluttering attracted the attention of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, who asked the man to replace the eggs.
As his army marched to conquer it, they passed a female dog with puppies, the Prophet Muhammad SAW not only gave orders that they should not be disturbed but posted a man to see that this was done.
He state,
" Verily, there is heavenly reward for every act of kindness done to a living animals".
Hazrat Muhammad SAW also used to command mercy for all animals such that they are fed well, watered well, not forced to Carry too heavy a burden, and not tortured or maimed for one's enjoyment.
Hazrat Abu Huraira RA said:
" The messenger of Allah SWT, said, while a man was walking on a road he became very thirsty, he found a well, went into it, drank and came out. A dog panting and eating the dirt out of thirst. The man said: this dog has become stricken with the same degree of thirst which has stricken with the same degree of thirst which had stricken me. He went down into the well and filled his shoe and then hold it in his mouth until he climbed out and gave the dog water to drink. Allah SWT thanked him and forgave him, they said, ' O messenger of Allah SWT, are we rewarded in every creature with a most liver".
Sahl ibn Amr said:
" The messenger of Allah SWT passed by a camel who's stomach quite touched it's back. Upon seeing this he said: fear God in these unspeaking animals!ride them in good health, and eat them in good health".
Prophet Muhammad's SAW kindness to animals:
When we mention the religion of Islam, often the first word that comes do mind is peace. The word Islam is derived from the infinitive"sa-la-ma" which also is the root for the word salam, which means peace. Islamic a way if life that promotes peace, honor, tolerance justice and mercy and all of these qualities are tempered with serenity that comes from submission to Allah SWT. Perhaps the greatest of these qualities is mercy. It is one of the overriding themes throughout the Quran Kareem.
" Certainly, we have brought them a book which we have explained in detail with knowledge, guidance, and a mercy to a people who believe ".
The traditions of Prophet Muhammad SAW remind us that humankind was put on this earth to be the protector of Allah's SWT creation. Treating animals with kindness and that custodianship. Prophet Muhammad's SAW words and behavior make it clear that causing defenceless creatures pain and suffering is not only completely unacceptable but we will be answerable to Allah SWT for such actions.
" If someone kills a Sparrow for sport, the Sparrow will cry out on the day of judgement, " O Lord! That person killed me in vain! He did not kill me for any useful purpose ".
Islam expects humankind to treat all animals with respect and dignity. Prophet Muhammad SAW continuously advised people to show kindness. He prevented the practice of cutting tails and manes of horses, of branding animals at any soft spot, and of keeping horses burdened unnecessarily. If the Prophet Muhammad SAW, any animal over- burdened or ill served the would speak mildly to the owner and say, " Fear God in your treatment of animals ".
However, refraining from physical cruelty is not enough, avoiding from mental cruelty is equalling as important. Even a bird's emotional distress should be treated seriously. One of Prophet Muhammad's SAW companions narrates, " we were on a journey and during the Prophet's absence, we saw a bird with it's two chicks; we took them. The mother bird was circling above us in the air, beating its wings in sorrow. When Prophet Muhammad SAW returned he said, " Who has hurt the feelings of this bird by taking its chicks ? Return them to her".
In another narration, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad SAW came to him carrying baby chicks in his clothing and mentioned that the mother bird had floated over them. He was directed to return the chicks back to the same bush".
In pre Islamic times, pagan superstitious and polytheistic practices included acts of torture and brutality to animals. Islam criticized this and put a stop to all such practices. When Prophet Muhammad SAW and his companions migrated to Madina, they noticed that people cut off camels' humps and the fat tails of sheep for food. The Prophet Muhammad SAW forbade them from doing this and said, " Whatever is cut off an animal while it is still alive, is carrion and is unlawful to eat".
In Islam, the rules pertaining to slaughtering animals and very strict and fixed. Protecting animals from pain and undue suffering is Paramount.
" Allah Paak has ordained kindness in everything. If the killing is to be done, do it in the best manner, and when you slaughter do it in the best manner by first sharpening the knife, and putting the animal at ease".
Humankind must strike a balance in their treatment of animals. All living creatures were put on this earth by God for our benefit. They are not at the same level as human beings but neither should they be treated cruelty. It is humankind's responsibility to see that they have food, water and shelter from the elements. Living creatures must not be overburdened, abused or tortured and doing so will surely result in God's just punishment. A true believer in God demonstrate his or her belief by respecting the entire creation, and Prophet Muhammad's SAW character and actions are a shining example of respect for all that exists.
Prophet Muhammad's kindness:
Exemplified love, gentleness and compassion, as emphasized in Quran Kareem and Hadith.
Acceptance :
His kindness extended to all beings, regardless of status, belief or nationality.
Examples of compassion:
Treated the weak, poor, women, orphans and animals with care, never admonished anyone around him.
Teachings on kindness:
Advocated treating relatives, neighbors and dependents well, emphasizing interdependence in society.
Special care for women:
Condemned mistreatment and emphasized their rights.
Allah's kindness:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW initiated
Allah's SWT attributes, urging kindness as the foundation for a harmonious society.
" O Messenger of Allah SWT! it is a great Mercy of Allah SWT that you are gentle and kind towards them; for, had you been harsh and hard- hearted, they would all have broken, away from you".
There are many instances that show his kindness and gentleness, especially to the weak and the poor. Hazrat Anas, who was his helper said: " I served Allah's SWT for ten years and he never said to me, " Shame or ' Why did you do such and such a thing?...
Once he said to his wife: " O Aishah! Never turn away any needy man from your door empty- handed. O Aishah! Love the poor; being them near to you and God will bring you near to him on the day of revival". Seek me among your weak ones, for you are given provision, or you are given help only by reason of the presence of your weak ones".
Allah SWT is kind, and the Prophet Muhammad Ali initiated Allah's example in its perfection by showing kindness to his servants and all creatures without any regard for their beliefs, color or nationality. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" Allah SWT is kind and likes kindness in all things".
His heart pained within him at the corrupt state of his fellow Meccans and their rejection of one God. The Quran Kareem declares to it in these words:
" O Muhammad SAW, you will, perhaps consume yourself with grief because the people do not believe ".
In Surah Kahf, we read:
" Well, O Muhammad SAW, it may be that you will kill yourself for their sake out of sorrow if they do not believe in this message ".
And Surah Fatir says:
"So let your life be consumed in grief for their sake".
He took a great interest in the welfare of all people and had great kindness for people in trouble. The Prophet Muhammad SAW launched the attributes of God par excellence and translated them into practice in the highest form possible for man. Kindness is an attribute of Allah SWT, which. has no limits.
It is extensive and encompasses all things and all beings without unfairness. Likewise was the kindness of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. He extended it to all beings, both animate and inanimate and benefited all without measure.
The Quranic words for the Prophet's kindness, ra'ufun rahirmun are very concentrated and comprehensive in meaning and convey the true nature and extent of the Prophet's kindness to people. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" One of the finest acts of kindness is for a man to treat his fathers' friends in a kindly way after he has departed".
The issue of treating friends well was also extended to include relations:
" He who wishes to have hu provision enlarged and his term of life prolonged should treat his relatives well".
He emphasized on this matter because he deeply held the view that
" Only kindness prolongs life, and a person is deprived of provisions for the faults he commits" .
Bahz b. Hakim, on his father's authority, said that his grandfather told him that he had asked Allah's SWT messenger to whom he should show kindness and that the Prophet Muhammad SAW has replied: " Your mother".
He asked who came next and he replied: "Your mother". He asked who came next and he replied for the third time: " Your mother". He again asked who came next and he replied: " Your father ", then your relatives in order of relationship".
He stayed on the issue of treating orphans humanely as he stated: " the best house among the Muslims is one which contains an orphan who I well treated, and the worst house among the Muslims is one which contains an orphan who is badly treated ". This means that the Prophet Muhammad SAW cautioned his followers against general maltreatment of anyone regardless of hua status.
By extending good treatment from friends to relatives and now to neighbors, Prophet Muhammad SAW was intent in making all humans interdependent as he highlighted in the following words:
" All creatures are Allah's dependants and those dearest to Allah SWT are the ones who treat his dependants kindly ".
He emphasized the kind treatment of women again and again in his speeches:.
Treat women kindly, since they are your helpers..... you have your rights upon your wives and they have their rights upon you. Your right is that they shall not allow anyone you dislike to enter your bed or your home, and their right is that you should treat them well.
Once a number of women complained to the Prophet's wives about their ill treatment by their husbands. On hearing of this, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" Such persons among you are not good persons".
This criticism by the Prophet Muhammad SAW himself was an indication that no one would be accepted before God who, while on earth, decided to be unkind to women.
Another person said to the Prophet Muhammad SAW:
" O Messenger of Allah SWT! My relatives are such that although I cooperate with them, they cut me". The Prophet Muhammad SAW said this in reply: " So long as you continue as you are, God will always help you and he will protect you against their mischief".
This was not only a way of bringing comfort to the mind of the worried person but one of the communicative techniques of the Hazrat Muhammad SAW to assure whoever found himself in that situation to look up to God to be cheered and protected. So it was pointless to taught revenge to this kind of people suffering from this similar destiny. Indeed, Prophet Muhammad SAW was nothing short of a competent counselor.
He was always counseling people to be good-hearted regardless of their age or gender. Once Hazrat Asma bint Abu Bakar's mother, who was still an unbeliever, came to see her in Madina. She told this to the Prophet Muhammad SAW and said:
" My mother has come to see me and she is expecting something from me, May I oblige her?".
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" Yes, be kind to your mother". This attitude of the Prophet Muhammad SAW was equally extended in Mas'ud and an Ansari woman. She went to see the Prophet Muhammad SAW and to query whether it would be a Charity if they spent something on their husbands and on the orphans under their care. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said: " They will get a two- fold reward, one for kindness towards their relatives and the other for charity".
There are many Hadith concerning his kindness to animals, birds and insects:
" God prescribed kindness towards everything; so when you slaughter any animal, slaughter it well; when you sacrifice, make your sacrifice good. And let everyone sharpen his weapon and make it easy for his sacrificed animal".
The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught love, kindness, and sympathy to his people, and was seen to be most loving, kind, and caring of all of them. The Quran Kareem mentions his kind and gentle behavior in these words:
" O Messenger of Allah SWT! It is a great Mercy of God that you are gentle and kind towards them; for, had you been harsh and hard- hearted they would all have broken away from you".
There are many occasions that show his kindness and gentleness, especially to the weak and the poor. Hazrat Anas, who was his helper said:
" I served Allah's SWT Messenger for ten years and he never said to me, ' Shame' or ' Why did you do such - and - such a thing"?
Once he said to his wife: " O Aishah! Never turn away any need man from your door empty- handed. O Aishah! Love the poor; bring them near to you and God will bring you near to him on the day of revival." He also went much further on to say: " Seek me among your weak ones, for you are given provision, or you are given help only by reason of the presence of your weak ones ".
Allah SWT is kind, and the Prophet Muhammad followed Allah's SWT example in its perfection by showing kindness to his servants and all creatures without any regard for their beliefs, colour or nationality. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said: " God is kind and likes kindness in all things".
In Surah Kahf, we read:
" Well, O Muhammad SAW, it may be that you will kill yourself for their sake out or sorrow if they do not believe in this message ".
And Surah Fatir says:
" So let not your life be consumed in grief for their sake "
He took a great interest in the welfare of all people and had great compassion for people people in trouble. The Prophet Muhammad SAW initiated the attributes of God par excellence and translated them into practice in the highest form possible for man kindness is an attribute of Allah SWT which has no limit.
It is extensive and encompasses all things and all beings without inequality. Likewise was the kindness of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. He extended it to all beings, both animate and inanimate and benefited without measure.
The Quranic words for the Prophet's kindness, ra' ufunrahirmun very intensive and comprehensive in meaning and convey the true nature and extent extent of the Prophet's kindness to people. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
"One of the finest acts of kindness is for a man yo treat his fathers' friendly in a kindly way after he has departed".
The issue of treating friends well was also extended to include relations:
" He who wishes to have his provision enlarged and his term of life prolonged shout should treat his relatives well".
He emphasized on this matter because he deeply held the view that
" Only kindness prolongs life, and a person is deprived of provisions for the faults he commits" Bahz b. Hakim on his father's authority, said that his grandfather told him that he had his grandfather told him that he had asked Allah's Messenger to whom he should show kindness and that the Prophet Muhammad SAW had replied: " Your mother".
He asked who came next and he replied: "Your mother". He asked who came next and he replied for the third time: " Your mother". He again asked who came next and he replied: " Your father, then your then your relatives in order of relationship".
He stayed on the issue of treating orphans humanely as he stated: " The best house among the Muslims is one which contains an orphan who is well treated, and the poorest house among the Muslims is one who contain an orphan who is well treated, and the worst home among the Muslims is one which contains an orphan who is badly treated". This means that the Prophet Muhammad SAW cautioned his followers against general maltreatment of anyone regardless of his status.
Bye extending good treatment from friends to relatives and now to neighbors, Prophet Muhammad SAW was intent in making all humans interdependent as he emphasized in the following words:
" All creatures are Allah's dependants and those dearest to God are the ones who treat his dependants kindly ". He emphasized the kind treatment of women again and again in his speeches.
Treat women kindly, since they are your helpers....you have your rights upon your wives and they have their rights upon you. Your right is that they small not allow anyone you dislike to enter your bed or your home, and their right is that you should treat them well.
Another person said to the Prophet Muhammad SAW:
" O Messenger of Allah SWT! My relationship are such that although I cooperate with them, they cut me among off; I am kind to them but they ill treat me." The Prophet Muhammad said this in reply: " so long as you continue as you are, God will always help you and he will protect you against their mischief".
This was not only a way of bringing comfort to the mind of the worried person but one is the communicative techniques of the Prophet Muhammad SAW to assure whoever found himself in that situation to look up to God to be consoled and protected. So it was pointless to preach retaliation to this kind of people suffering from this similar fate. Indeed, Prophet Muhammad SAW was nothing short of a capable counselor.
He was always counseling people to be good-hearted regardless of their age or gender. Once Hazrat Asma bint e Abu Bakar's mother, who was still an unbeliever , came to see her in Madina She told this to the Prophet Muhammad SAW and said:
" My mother has come to see me and she is expecting something from me. May I oblige her?"
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
" Yes, be mind to your mother". This attitude of the Prophet Muhammad SAW was equally extended to Zainab as- Saqafia, the wife of Abdullah bin Mas'ud and an Ansari woman. She went to see the Prophet Muhammad SAW and to inquire whether it would be a Charity if they spent something on their husbands and on the orphans under their care. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said: " They will get a two- fold reward, one for kindness towards their relatives and the other for charity".
There are many Ahadith concerning his kindness to animals, birds and insects:
" God prescribed kindness towards everything; so when you slaughter any animal, slaughter it well; when you sacrifice, make your sacrifice good. And let everyone sharpen his weapon and make it easy for his sacrificed animal".
Conclusion:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed great kindness to animals and taught people to treat them with mercy and care. His teachings remind us that animals are Allah’s creatures and deserve love, compassion, and protection.