Islam is a religion built on the foundation of mercy (rahmah), and this mercy extends to all living beings, including animals. Both the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ establish clear guidelines for the humane treatment of animals, emphasizing compassion, kindness, and accountability.

1. Compassion at the Core

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified gentleness toward animals and taught his followers to do the same. He often warned against cruelty and praised acts of kindness shown to animals. In one narration, he spoke of a woman who was punished for imprisoning a cat without food or water, while in another, he mentioned a man whose sins were forgiven for giving water to a thirsty dog.

“Whoever is kind to the creatures of Allah, Allah will be kind to him.” — (Bukhari)

2. Prohibition of Cruelty

Islam strictly forbids any form of abuse or harm to animals. This includes:

• Beating or injuring animals

• Denying them food, water, or proper care

Muslims are taught that all creatures deserve dignity and care, and that humans will be held accountable for how they treat Allah’s creation.

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