no. 5565). This teaching demonstrates that mercy toward animals is not merely an ethical recommendation, but an act connected to spiritual reward

The Prophet ﷺ also emphasized the obligation to provide animals with food, water, and proper care. In a famous narration recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, he described a woman punished because she confined a cat without feeding or watering it until it died (Ḥadīth no. 689). This narration illustrates the seriousness with which Islam views neglect and abuse of animals and establishes accountability for their welfare.

Another important aspect of the Prophet’s teachings concerns the prohibition of overburdening animals. Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ instructed Muslims not to impose upon animals work beyond their capacity, stating: “Do not overburden your animals. You should only ask them to do what they are able to do” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, ḥadīth no. 2595). He also advised that animals employed for labour should be treated with gentleness and assistance (Sunan Ibn Mājah, ḥadīth no. 3310). These teachings reflect an ethical concern for the dignity and welfare of working animals.

Special emphasis was also placed upon humane slaughter and the ethical treatment of animals used for food. Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ instructed: “When you slaughter, do it in the best manner. Sharpen your knife and let the animal feel no pain” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, ḥadīth no. 4750). This instruction established principles intended to minimize suffering and ensure that slaughter is conducted with dignity and mercy.

The Prophet’s teachings further connected mercy toward animals with divine mercy and spiritual accountability. In one narration he declared: “Whoever is merciful even to a sparrow, Allah will be merciful to him on the Day of Judgment” (Sunan al-Nasāʾī, ḥadīth no. 4550). Another narration states: “A man is rewarded for serving any living being” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, ḥadīth no. 69). These traditions illustrate that kindness toward animals is an integral dimension of faith and moral conduct in Islam.

The teachings of Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ concerning animals therefore reflect a comprehensive ethical vision rooted in compassion, justice, and stewardship. Islam presents humane treatment of animals not as an optional virtue but as a religious obligation connected to accountability before God. Through the Qur’ān and unnah, the Prophet ﷺ established enduring principles regarding animal welfare, mercy, and responsible human conduct toward all living creatures.

## References

1 Qur’ān 6:38; 16:5–6. 2 Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, ḥadīth nos. 69, 689. 3 Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, ḥadīth nos. 4750, 5565. 4 Abī Dāwūd, ḥadīth no. 2595. 5 Sunan al-Nasāʾī, ḥadīth no. 4550. 6 Sunan Ibn Mājah, ḥadīth no. 3310. 7 M. Abubaker Hashimi, “Animal Rights in Islamic Law,” Journal of Social Sciences, Kabul University 7, no. 4 (2023): 118. 8 Muhammad Sarwar, Ahmad Raza, and Hafiz Muhammad Tanzeem, “Care for Animal Rights in Islam,” Al Irfan 6, no. 12 (2021): 45–46. 9 Aisha Stacey, “Prophet Muhammad’s Kindness to Animals,” IslamReligion.com, March 22, 2010. 10 Basheer Ahmad Masri, Animals in Islam (New York: Lantern Books, 2022), 23–24.