Animal Rights in Islam

Can Muslim harm or do injustice to animals like dogs and pigs?


The Quran clearly reveals the equality between humans and other creatures. The Quranic revelation completes the Islamic tradition by revealing that humans and animals are co-equals before God, thus setting a clear precedent for animal rights. The Quran says:


"And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered."

"Dan tidak seekor pun binatang yang hidup di bumi ini, dan tidak seekor pun burung yang terbang dengan kedua sayapnya, melainkan mereka umat-umat seperti kamu. Tiada Kami tinggalkan sesuatu pun di dalam kitab Al-Quran ini; kemudian mereka semuanya akan dihimpunkan kepada Tuhan mereka."

(QS 6:38)

Not only humans are like animals (and thus deserving of rights), but they also have a soul, share in eternal life and will be gathered together in the Kingdom of Heaven. The revelation given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) includes animals as partners of humans, gathered eternally together before Allah.

This revelation that Allah SWT gives to us is to direct us back towards the greatest of all miracles – the earth (life) in all its splendor and recognize the miracle of creation, of beauty. Our animal brethren are the miracle of Allah SWT. Thus, no animals should be injured or harmed unnecessarily.

But most people, unfortunately, refuse to recognize the fact that humans and animals are equals. Few people are prepared to grant animals their rights or to recognize that every being has an eternal soul, especially dog and swine. This is clearly an injustice to the animals.The Qurans says:

"We did not create the heavens and earth and that between them in play. We did not create them except in truth, but most of them do not know."(QS 44:38-39)

Wallahu'alam