We Must Be Kind to Every Animal, Regardless of Their Species

Are we allowed to hate, harass, or harm an animal simply because we don’t like them? Every day people act like they can—they crush insects who disgust them, harass birds and wildlife who annoy them, and abuse pigs, dogs, and other animals simply because of their species. Islam teaches us to respect and show mercy to animals and we don’t get to pick and choose which animals as the Holy Quran is clear​--all animals are important. 

A dog, a pig, and an insect are all just as important to Allah (SWT) as every other species. Islam was many centuries ahead of the modern animal rights movement which created the term “speciesism” to describe the arbitrary discrimination of animals simply because of their species.

The Holy Quran Emphasizes How All Species are Important

Allah (SWT) created Earth with all animals in mind.

He laid out the earth for all beings.
The Holy Quran 55:10

​All animals are signs of Allah (SWT) and He accounts for them all, regardless of their species.

And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and all living beings He dispersed throughout both. And He is Most Capable of bringing all together whenever He wills.
The Holy Quran 42:29

​Every species glorifies Allah (SWT).

Do you not see that Allah is glorified by all those in the heavens and the Earth, even the birds as they soar? Each knows their manner of prayer and glorification. And Allah has knowledge of all they do.
The Holy Quran 24:41

​Just as we don’t own the fruits that we farm, the water that we wash in, or the soil that we stand on, we don’t own any of the animals on Earth—they all belong to Allah (SWT). Allah SWT elevated us in rank above all other animals to care for them all as part of His creation.

​Our authority as His viceregents gives us the duty to be responsible stewards and does not give us a right to harass or harm animals simply because they annoy, anger, or disgust us. 

To Allah ˹alone˺ belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And Allah is Fully Aware of everything.
The Holy Quran 4:126

​The Holy Quran never says an animal is evil or unworthy of respect in itself. While the Holy Quran mentions specific species to describe natural behaviors, illustrate human qualities, or reflect on Creation, none of these references imply or indicate that those species are less deserving of respect.
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​Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forbade cruelty to animals and consistently emphasized mercy and compassion toward all living beings. 

Whoever is kind to the creatures of God, he is kind to himself.
Bukhari

​While he permitted the killing of a few specific species at times such as when Muslims are in the state of Ihram (e.g., rabid dogs, scorpions, and mice), it was because these species were considered threats to peoples’ safety.
 
Other prophets demonstrated kindness to animals, regardless of species, in their messages and actions too.
 
Prophet Noah (PBUH) didn’t abandon animals he disliked—he saved two of all species.

While Allah (SWT) forbade us from eating certain species such as pigs, that doesn’t mean we can be cruel to them. We can follow the example of Prophet Isa (PBUH) who showed compassion to pigs.

Malik related to me from Yahya ibn Said that Isa ibn Maryam encountered a pig on the road. He said to it, "Go in peace." Somebody asked, "Do you say this to a pig?" Isa said, "I fear lest I accustom my tongue to evil speech."
Muwatta Malik 

​When a man gave water to a thirsty dog, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used the moment to remind us that Allah (SWT) rewards kindness to animals.

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "While a man was walking he felt thirsty and went down a well and drank water from it. On coming out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said, 'This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as that of mine. So he (went down the well), filled his shoe with water, caught hold of it with his teeth and climbed up and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him." The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?" He replied, "Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate."
Bukhari

​When prophets strayed from showing kindness to animals, Allah (SWT) admonished them as He did to a prophet who killed an entire community of ants because one ant bit him.

"An ant bit a Prophet amongst the Prophets, and he ordered that the place of the ants be burnt. So, Allah inspired to him, 'It is because one ant bit you that you burnt a nation amongst the nations that glorify Allah?"
Bukhari

How Muslims Can Show Kindness to All Species

Kindness to an animal is a simple act that we all can do every day. We can:

• Leave wildlife alone.
• Let insects live by taking them outside our homes instead of killing them.
• Give food, water, and shelter to homeless animals in need.
• Teach children to be kind to animals and not to harass or chase them.
• Spare an animal’s life by eating a nutritious plant-based meal instead of the animal’s flesh.