THE QURAN

Image of the Quran by Ali Burhan from Pixabay

The Quran is the main religious text of Islam. It is still being debated as to who wrote the Quran – some sources say that Prophet Muhammad wrote the Quran, while other sources say that Allah presented the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. Nevertheless, the Quran is still the most closely abided by text in Islam. 

There are a few notable references to animals in the Quran. For instance, it advocates care for animals and wildlife, and that animals have their own place and right on this earth. It states that humans are responsible for taking care of animals, and have no right to inflict harm on them, as their homes and lives are Allah’s creation. The verse “And the earth, He has assigned it to all living creatures” (Quran 55:10) shows how all living things, including plants, animals, and other entities of nature, all have an equal right of existence and life on earth – as instructed by Allah. Hence, to impose harm on these creatures would be directly defying Allah’s orders, which would be sinful.

Nevertheless, the Quran also states that the use of animals is allowed in Islam – which is contradictory to the above quote.

Photo by ‏🌸🙌 في عین الله on Unsplash

The Quran 40:79-80 verse reads, “It is God who provided for you all manner of livestock, that you may ride on some of them and from some you may derive your food. And other uses in them for you to satisfy your heart’s desires. It is on them, as on ships, that you make your journeys”. This verse shows how humans are encouraged use animals for their own benefit, be it for transportation, for food or any other purposes that fulfils their wants and needs – as these animals are all provided for us by God. This leads to humans distinguishing them from animals as the superior beings, which could possibly lead to them exerting harm on wildlife.

Hence, from the Quran quotes, we can see how the viewing of animals and humans as equivalent living beings is both encouraged and discouraged in Islam. This brings about mixed sentiments about the effect religion has on the environment.

 

THE HADITH

The Hadith is another religious text closely followed by Muslims. It contains the words, actions and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. The Hadith does encourage compassion and care towards animals. For instance, the Prophet mentioned that “A good deed done to an animal is like a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as cruelty to a human being”. This verse demonstrates how in the eyes of Allah, humans are not superior to beings of the wild in any way. Hence, they should be treated with the same respect and care as with fellow humans, or even more.

Photo by Erica Magugliani on Unsplash

All in all, the Islamic texts do convey both messages about how humans should treat animals and the environment – one that fosters pro-environmental behaviour and care for nature, and another that endorses actions and attitudes that go against the well-being of animals and the environment.

 

Next, I discover the animal references in Taoist religious texts, and how they help humans form connections between man and nature. Click here to continue to the page.