Islam and Animal Rights

...The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "A woman was punished (by God) because of a cat. She had not provided (the cat) with food or drink, nor had she set it free so that it might eat the insects of the earth." Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1047

...The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "While a man was walking along a road, he became very thirsty. He came to a well, got down into it, drank, and climbed out again. He then saw a dog panting and licking mud because of severe thirst. The man said to himself, 'This dog is suffering from the same state of thirst I did.' So he went down the well (again), filled his shoe (with water), held it in his mouth (as he climbed out), and gave the water to the dog. God thanked him for that deed and forgave him (his sins)." The people then asked the Prophet: "Is there a reward for us in serving animals?" He replied: "(Yes), there is a reward for serving any (living being)." Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Hadith 38

Today its all about animals. Whether you like or dislike them - they are living amongst us and as Muslims we have a duty towards them. In this month of Ramadan when charity appeals are dedicated to alleviating sufferings of humans - why not donate some money to charity for animals. Who is going to look after them?

I strongly believe that our Muslim Ummah have neglected animals - just look at all your Islamic Channels - no one is doing appeals for animals - not during Ramadan and not after!

Now scroll back up and ponder and reflect on the two ahaadith and then ask - do animals have no rights? Don't they deserve my sadaqah and charity this month?

Maybe if we pay more heed to animals and their rights then Allah will put barakah in our money and help those in need and they will actually be out of poverty - its 2011 - yet we still can't manage to alleviate the suffering of the masses!

We Muslims need to reflect and ponder and learn lessons from the Sunnah.

I'm thinking of starting another blog - dedicated to animals and saving endangered animals and species which are suffering extinction. Maybe even start an organisation completely dedicated to animals and their rights. I love animals - I can bear to see them suffering - and what hurts more is the lack of awareness amongst Muslims! (Ofcourse it doesn't apply to all of you - I know some of you are doing your bestest in your own way) - but we need to do more insha'Allah!

That's a picture of my baby, Mano - she's 13 years old - well in human years - give a cuddle to your pet animal from me! (: