“The Companions said,”O Allah’s Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He (pbuh) replied:“There is a reward for serving any living being.”
The following initiative includes hadiths from different sects and religious opinions respecting all point of views. Readers are encouraged to follow with the ones they prefer depending on their beliefs.
Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion centered on the Quran, a sacred text revered by Muslims as the direct word of God, revealed to the revered Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Veganism, on the other hand, is a lifestyle that involves refraining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and encompasses a philosophy that rejects the notion of animals as commodities. A notable commonality between Islam and Veganism is their shared emphasis on love and compassion towards animals. Veganism strives to secure animal rights, while Islam also advocates for the rights of animals, making it one of many religions that prioritize this issue.
Prepared by Muslim animal rights activists (and based on the scripture and teachings found in Islam), the following guide will explain the importance of respecting other animals in Islam, as well as how a vegan/plant exclusive diet is not only in line with the teachings of The Prophet (pbuh), but also favorable.
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1. the principle of harm avoidance
One of the 5 principles in Islamic Law is "Harm Avoidance", which is known as "darura" (necessity) and "mafsadah" (harm). Islamic jurisprudence recognizes the importance of avoiding harm and prioritizing the greater welfare of individuals and society. Here are some key points related to this principle:
1. Prohibition of Harm: Islamic law prohibits actions that cause harm to oneself, others, or society at large. This principle stems from the broader objective of preserving life, dignity, and well-being.
2. Avoidance of Harm: Muslims are encouraged to actively avoid engaging in activities or behaviors that bring harm. This includes both physical and moral harm, such as avoiding intoxicants, destructive behavior, and actions that cause injury or suffering to others.
3. Lesser of Two Evils: In situations where harm is inevitable or there is a conflict between two undesirable outcomes, Islamic law permits choosing the lesser of the two evils to minimize overall harm and protect the greater good. This principle recognizes the need for practical decision-making in complex situations.
4. Prioritizing Harm Avoidance: The principle of harm avoidance takes precedence over the attainment of certain benefits. If a particular action or practice brings harm or poses a significant risk, it should be avoided, even if it may offer some perceived benefit.
Overall, the principle of harm avoidance in Islamic law reflects the ethical and practical considerations in decision-making. It encourages Muslims to act responsibly, consider the consequences of their actions, and prioritize the welfare and well-being of themselves and others.
2. individuals & communities like ourselves
According to the Quranic theology, all living creatures possess a non-physical force of spirit and mind which, in its advanced form, we call ‘psyche’. Although animals’ psychic force is of a lower level than that of human beings, there is ample evidence in the Quran to suggest that animals’ consciousness of spirit and mind is of a degree higher than mere instinct and intuition. We are told in the Quran that animals have a cognizance of their Creator and, hence, they pay their obeisance to Him by adoration and worship.
Seest thou not that it is Allah Whose praises are celebrated by all beings in the heavens and on earth, and by the birds with extended wings? Each one knows its prayer and psalm, And Allah is aware of what they do (Quran 24:41)
It is worth noting the statement that ‘each one knows its prayer and psalm’. The execution of a voluntary act, performed consciously and intentionally, requires a faculty higher than that of instinct and intuition. The following verse points out that it is human ignorance that prevents them from understanding the phenomenon of this faculty:
The seven heavens and the earth and all things herein declare His Glory. There is not a thing but celebrates His adoration, and yet ye mankind! Ye understand not how they declare His Glory… (Quran 17:44)
They are communities in their own right and not in relation to human species or its values. All species deserve to be treated as communities; their intrinsic and not perceptible values should be recognized, irrespective of their usefulness or apparent harmfulness. Man’s dominion over animals, in the true Islamic sense, is a patriarchal authority, an arrangement under which the paterfamilias rules the family with discipline and paternal love:
There is not an animal on earth, or a two-winged flying creature, but they are communities like you (Quran 6:38)
3. on helping other animals
Narrated by Abu Hurairah: The Prophet Muhammad said, "A man felt very thirsty while he was on the way. He came across a well, got down into it, and drank (water) from it. On coming out, 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, and held it with his mouth and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him." The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He replied, "There is a reward for serving any living being." (Sahih Bukhari)
This Hadith highlights the compassionate act of providing water to a thirsty dog and teaches that acts of kindness towards animals are rewarded by Allah. These Hadiths, among others, exemplify the Prophet Muhammad's teachings and actions that emphasize the significance of showing kindness, mercy, and care towards animals. They serve as guidance for Muslims to treat animals with respect and fulfill their duty as caretakers of all living creatures.
‘‘Whoever is to kind to the creatures of God, is kind to himself’’
(Wisdom of Prophet Muhammad(s); Muhammad Amin, The Lion Press 1945)
‘’He who takes pity [even] on a sparrow and spares its life, Allah will be merciful on him on the Day of Judgement’’
(The Holy Prophet Muhammad(s), narrated by Abu Umamah. Transmitted by al-Tabarani)
4. on harming other animals
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar: The Prophet Muhammad said, "A woman entered the Hellfire because of a cat which she had tied up, neither giving it food nor setting it free to eat from the vermin of the earth." (Sahih Bukhari)
This Hadith emphasizes the severity of mistreating animals and highlights the significance of providing them with proper care and nourishment.
This Hadith underscores the importance of treating animals with respect and avoiding any form of harm or abuse towards them.
Abu Hurayrah reported the Prophet as telling of an incident that happened to another prophet in the past. This prophet was stung by an ant and, in anger, he ordered the whole of the ants’ nest to be burned. At this God reprimanded this prophet in these words:
‘’Because one ant stung you, you have burned a whole community which glorified Me’’. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Photo credit: Jo-anne McArthur; We Animals Media
“It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said; “I heard the Messenger of Allah say: ‘May Allah curse the one who disfigures an animal’.”
5. on speaking up for animal rights
Prophet Muhammad would reprimand his Companions whenever he observed them mistreating animals and emphasized the importance of showing mercy and kindness towards them.
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) once passed by a camel that was so emaciated that its back had almost reached its stomach. He said, “Fear Allah in your treatment of these animals who cannot speak.” (Abu Dawud)
It is narrated that The Prophet (pbuh) walked into a garden, and he heard howling, only then to find a camel crying, tied to a post on a very hot day. The camel was thirsty and hungry. The Prophet wiped the camels temple and the camel felt calmer. He then asked: Whose camel is this? A young man approached The Prophet and said, o Allah’s messenger! It is my camel. The Prophet replied: will you not fear allah? Allah has given you this animal. It has worked for you but you have not taken care of it. This animal is one of allahs creatures and you have a duty to care for this animal. (Sunan abi dawud 2549)
Abdullah reported that The Prophet (pbuh) was on a journey with his companions and they stopped for rest at a place. In a tree nearby, a bird had laid an egg. A man took the egg and the bird began beating her wings in a state of great distress. The prophet enquired who had tormented the bird by taking her egg. The man said, "o God's Messenger, I have done this. " The Prophet told him to put it back immediately out of mercy to the bird.
(Sahih-al-adab al-mufrad 382)
What would The Prophet (pbuh) think of separating mothers from their babies as we do in dairy farms, egg farms and almost all farms where animals are bred to be killed?
This act goes completely in lingo with the principle of avoiding harm that we are taught in Islam. It serves as a reminder that prioritizing personal enjoyment of food, even if it is considered delicious, should never supersede the harm and suffering inflicted upon other beings.
What would The Prophet (pbuh) think of transporting animals in trucks and boats from city to city, country to country and continent to continent for us to enjoy eating their flesh?
‘‘The worst of shepherds is the ungentle, who causes the beasts to crush or bruise one another.’’
(Sahih Muslim)
Photo credit: Jo-anne McArthur; We Animals Media
6. on sustainability & preserving nature
Preserving nature and practicing sustainability are important principles in Islam that emphasize the responsibility of humans as stewards of the Earth. Islamic teachings highlight the significance of protecting the environment, including its flora, fauna, and natural resources, and promoting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Therefore, supporting animal agriculture can be seen as contradicting these principles.
Stewardship of the Earth: Islam emphasizes the concept of "Khalifa" or stewardship, which refers to the responsibility of humans to care for the Earth and its resources. This responsibility entails preserving the natural balance and using resources wisely. The Quran states: "It is Allah who appointed you stewards in the earth" (Surah Al-An'am, 6:165). This verse implies that humans are entrusted with the Earth, and it is their duty to maintain and protect it.
Balance and Moderation: Islam promotes balance and moderation in all aspects of life, including the use of natural resources. The Quran teaches, "Eat and drink, but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters" (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:31). This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding extravagance and waste, which includes the excessive consumption of resources such as water and food.
Environmental Conservation: Islam encourages the preservation of natural resources and the avoidance of their depletion. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, "The world is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you as His stewards over it. He sees how you handle it" (Sahih Muslim). This Hadith reminds Muslims of their duty to protect the environment and showcases the significance of preserving the beauty and balance of the natural world.
7. on human health & eating healthy
Diseases linked to animal products, especially meat, are now the leading global causes of death. The World Health Organization warns that consuming just a 50-gram portion of processed meat daily increases colorectal cancer risk by 18%. Red and processed meat intake is also associated with higher mortality rates from heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses. Regions with substantial Muslim populations, like the eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia, are expected to see a significant rise in cardiovascular disease-related deaths. To address this, factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, poor diet, and lack of exercise must be tackled within these communities. Prioritizing balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and effective management of diabetes and cholesterol levels can greatly reduce cardiovascular disease risks.
Yahya ibn Sa’id reported: Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Beware of eating too much meat, for it can be as addictive as wine.” (Source: al-Muwatta’ 3450)
Imam Ali (AS) said, ”Do not make your stomachs a graveyard of animals”. (Bihar Al-anwar,volume 41,page 148)
The Prophet's diet primarily consisted of plant-based foods such as dates, barley, figs, grapes, and pumpkin, indicating a semi-vegetarian approach. Meat consumption was infrequent for him. There were periods when smoke would not be seen coming out of the Prophet's chimney, and when asked about his diet, he would simply reply, "Al Aswadayn," which meant water and dates (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Al-Riqaq, Hadith #6094). In the past, Muslims would consume meat once a week on Fridays if they were wealthy or during the Eids if they were less fortunate. However, the current trend among Muslims involves consuming meat around three times a day, which has contributed to the prevalence of numerous diseases. Would a Muslim be doing something wrong and against their religion if they choose to only eat a plant-based diet? The answer is simply, not at all. In fact, a companion of The Prophet (pbuh) by the name of Aabi Al-Lahm was vegetarian and he accepted that from him. The requirement in Islam is that what you eat must be Halal and Tayyib (Arabic for wholesome and pure) both in the physical and moral sense. A vegan diet is both of those things.
“Oh, ye messengers! Eat of the good things {tayyibat} and do righteous deeds. Surely, I know what you do”
(Quran 23:51).
“Oh believers! Eat what We have provided for you of lawful and good things, and give thanks for Allah's favour, if it is He whom you serve”
(Quran 2:172; 16:114).
By embracing a vegan diet, Muslims can prioritize their health while honoring the teachings of Islam. It promotes physical well-being, aligns with ethical considerations, emphasizes cleanliness and purity, and encourages balance and moderation. Ultimately, adopting a vegan lifestyle can be viewed as a proactive step towards fulfilling our responsibilities as caretakers of our bodies and the environment, while striving to lead a wholesome and spiritually fulfilling life.