How to Show Kindness to Animals
Like the Prophet ﷺ

In Islām, the circle of mercy and compassion extends far beyond humanity to encompass all of Allāh’s creation, including animals. This principle is not a mere suggestion but a core tenet of our faith, deeply embedded in the teachings of the Qurʾān and the exemplary life of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ. He taught that caring for animals is an act of worship, a path to forgiveness, and a reflection of a believer’s true character. Every creature is a sign of Allāh’s majesty, and our treatment of them is a trust for which we will be held accountable.
The teachings of the Prophet ﷺ are filled with powerful examples of this principle. He famously narrated the story of a man on a journey who saw a dog panting and licking dust out of extreme thirst. Moved with compassion, the man went down into a well, filled his leather sock with water, and climbed back out holding it in his mouth to give the dog a drink. The Prophet ﷺ explained that Allāh was so pleased with this simple act of mercy that He forgave all the man’s sins. Conversely, the Prophet ﷺ warned of the severe consequences of cruelty. He spoke of a woman who was punished in the Hellfire for imprisoning a cat, neither feeding it nor allowing it to find its own food. These narrations highlight a profound reality: mercy towards animals can lead to Paradise, while cruelty can lead to damnation. The Prophet ﷺ explicitly forbade branding animals on the face, using them for target practice, or overburdening them.

Practical Applications

Provide Proper Care:  

Ensure any animals under your care—whether pets or livestock—receive proper food, water, shelter, and medical attention. They are a trust (amānah) from Allāh, and neglecting their needs is a betrayal of that trust.

Avoid Cruelty and Harm: 

Actively avoid inflicting any form of pain or suffering on animals. This includes refraining from overburdening working animals, using them for sport, and any form of physical abuse. Treat every creature with the gentleness that the Prophet ﷺ embodied.

Show Mercy to All Creatures:

Extend your compassion beyond the animals you own. Offer water to a thirsty bird or stray cat, carefully move an insect from harm’s way, and respect the natural habitats of wild animals. The Prophet ﷺ taught, “There is a reward for kindness to every living thing,” reminding us that no act of mercy is too small.

Be Mindful of Their Rights:

Recognize that animals have rights granted to them by their Creator. They have the right to be free from hunger, thirst, and fear. Reflect on how your daily choices impact the animal kingdom and strive to be a compassionate steward of Allāh’s creation.

Kindness to animals is a profound expression of our faith and a direct reflection of the Prophetic example. It is a path to earning Allāh’s mercy, a means of having our sins forgiven, and a fulfillment of our role as caretakers on this earth. By showing compassion to the most vulnerable of creatures, we beautify our character and draw closer to our Creator.
--- May Allāh grant us the wisdom and compassion to follow the example of His beloved Prophet ﷺ in our treatment of all living beings. Āmīn.
May Allāh grant us the ability to follow this guidance. Āmīn.