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In Muslim culture some animals such as [[hyena]]s, [[bat]]s, [[gecko]]s, [[snake]]s, and other reptiles as well as insects are considered to be ugly, dangerous, vicious, but also powerful and often ambivalent.<ref>Jürgen Wasim Frembgen, Völkerkundemuseum. "The Scorpion in Muslim Folklore". Asian Folklore Studies, Volume 63, 2004: 95-123. Munich, Germany.</ref>
In Muslim culture some animals such as [[hyena]]s, [[bat]]s, [[gecko]]s, [[snake]]s, and other reptiles as well as insects are considered to be ugly, dangerous, vicious, but also powerful and often ambivalent.<ref>Jürgen Wasim Frembgen, Völkerkundemuseum. "The Scorpion in Muslim Folklore". Asian Folklore Studies, Volume 63, 2004: 95-123. Munich, Germany.</ref>


==Animals in the pre-Islamic Arabia ==
==In pre-Islamic Arabia ==
Arab bedouin, like other people, attributed the qualities and the faults of humans to animals (e.g. generosity was attributed to the cock, perfidy to the lizard, stupidity to the bustard and boldness to the lion). <ref name="Hayawan"/>
Arab bedouin, like other people, attributed the qualities and the faults of humans to animals (e.g. generosity was attributed to the cock, perfidy to the lizard, stupidity to the bustard and boldness to the lion). <ref name="Hayawan"/>


Based on the facts that the name of certain tribes bear the names of animals, survivals of animal cults, prohibitions of certain foods and other indications, W. R. Smith argued for practice of [[totemism]] by certain tribes of Arabia. Others have argued that these evidences may only imply practice of a form of [[animalism]]. In support of this, for example, it was believed that upon one's death, the soul departs from the body in the form of a bird (usually a sort of owl). The soul flys for some time around the tomb and on occasion crys out for vengeance. Although Muhammad rejected this belief but it lived under Islam in various forms. <ref name="Hayawan"/>
Based on the facts that the name of certain tribes bear the names of animals, survivals of animal cults, prohibitions of certain foods and other indications, W. R. Smith argued for practice of [[totemism]] by certain tribes of Arabia. Others have argued that these evidences may only imply practice of a form of [[animalism]]. In support of this, for example, it was believed that upon one's death, the soul departs from the body in the form of a bird (usually a sort of owl). The soul flys for some time around the tomb and on occasion crys out for vengeance. Although Muhammad rejected this belief but it lived under Islam in various forms. <ref name="Hayawan"/>


==Qur'an==
==In the Qur'an==
Although over two hundred verses in the Qur'an deal with animals and six [[sura]]s (chapters) of the Qur'an are named after the animals, animal life is not a predominant theme in the Qur'an. <ref name="AnimalLife"> Animal life, Encyclopedia of the Qur'an </ref> The Arabic term for the "animal" (i.e. ''haywan'') in its only one appearance in the Qur'an means "the true life" and refers to the life in the next world rather than to "animal".<ref name="Hayawan">Hayawān, Encyclopedia of Islam </ref><ref name="AnimalLife"/> On the other hand, the Qur'an uses the term ''dābba'' which is not typically used in medieval Arabic works on zoology. <ref name="AnimalLife"/>
Although over two hundred verses in the Qur'an deal with animals and six [[sura]]s (chapters) of the Qur'an are named after the animals, animal life is not a predominant theme in the Qur'an. <ref name="AnimalLife"> Animal life, Encyclopedia of the Qur'an </ref> The Arabic term for the "animal" (i.e. ''haywan'') in its only one appearance in the Qur'an means "the true life" and refers to the life in the next world rather than to "animal".<ref name="Hayawan">Hayawān, Encyclopedia of Islam </ref><ref name="AnimalLife"/> On the other hand, the Qur'an uses the term ''dābba'' which is not typically used in medieval Arabic works on zoology. <ref name="AnimalLife"/>


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</blockquote>
</blockquote>


==Sunnah==
==In Sunna==
The [[Sunna|Muslim tradition]] contains several stories of Muhammad's kindness to animals. <ref>
[[Sunnah]] refer to the traditional biographies of Muhammad wherein the example of his conduct and sayings attributed to him have been recorded.
⚫
*Muhammed is said to have posted sentries to ensure that a bitch with newborn puppies was not disturbed by his army traveling to Mecca in the year 630. cf. Watt, Muhammad: Prophet and Statesman, Oxford University Press, 1961, [http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/med/watt.html]
⚫
*Muhammad is reported as having reprimanded some men who were sitting idly on their camels in a marketplace, saying "either ride them or leave them alone". He is also reported to have said: "There is no man who kills [even] a [[sparrow]] or anything smaller, without its deserving it, but Allah will question him about it [on the judgment day]," and "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself." c.f. [[Encyclopedia of Islam]], Haywan article, p.308, vol.3, p.308
⚫
*Muhammad is said to have informed a [[prostitute]] who had seen a thirsty dog hanging about a well and given it water to drink that all her sins were forgiven.c.f.Susan J. Armstrong, Richard G. Botzler, ''The Animal Ethics Reader'', p.237, Routledge (UK) Press </ref>


⚫
In many [[Shi'ite]] accounts of [[Muhammad]] he is said to have conversed nonchalantly with camels, birds and other species. In one account a camel is said to have come to Muhammad and complained that despite service to his owner, the animal was about to be killed. Muhammad summoned the owner and ordered the man to spare the camel.<ref>Foltz (2006), pg.22-23</ref>

== In Islamic law ==
=== Treatment of animals ===
=== Treatment of animals ===


Muslims are not allowed to capture baby birds, burn ant hills and whip animals cruelly "for fun".<ref name="animals">http://www.islamicedfoundation.com/askscholar/animal.htm</ref> A person who hunts down a rabbit for target practice is deemed to be punishable.<ref name="hunting">http://www.islamonline.com/cgi-bin/news_service/fatwah_story.asp?service_id=539</ref> It is forbidden to cage animals,{{Fact|date=March 2007}}<!-- no caging of birds? --> to beat them unnecessarily, to brand them on the face, or to allowed them to fight each other for human entertainment. "They must not be mutilated while they are alive."<ref name="Forw"/>
Muslims are not allowed to capture baby birds, burn ant hills and whip animals cruelly "for fun".<ref name="animals">http://www.islamicedfoundation.com/askscholar/animal.htm</ref> A person who hunts down a rabbit for target practice is deemed to be punishable.<ref name="hunting">http://www.islamonline.com/cgi-bin/news_service/fatwah_story.asp?service_id=539</ref> It is forbidden to cage animals,{{Fact|date=March 2007}}<!-- no caging of birds? --> to beat them unnecessarily, to brand them on the face, or to allowed them to fight each other for human entertainment. "They must not be mutilated while they are alive."<ref name="Forw"/><!-- cite needs to be fixed -->


=== Animals and Ritual purity ===
⚫
The historian [[Montgomery Watt]] states that Muhammad's kindness to animals was remarkable for the social context of his upbringing. He cites an instance of Muhammed posting sentries to ensure that a bitch with newborn puppies was not disturbed by his army traveling to Mecca in the year 630.<ref name="WattA"> Watt, Muhammad: Prophet and Statesman, Oxford University Press, 1961, [http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/med/watt.html]</ref>
⚫
The majority of Muslim jurists consider [[dog]]s to be ritually unclean (Some jurists, particularly from the [[Maliki]] school of thought disagree).<ref name="Fadl"/>

⚫
Muhammad is reported as having reprimanded some men who were sitting idly on their camels in a marketplace, saying "either ride them or leave them alone". He is also reported to have said: "There is no man who kills [even] a [[sparrow]] or anything smaller, without its deserving it, but Allah will question him about it [on the judgment day]," and "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself."<ref name="EoR&N"/><ref name="EoIW"> [[Encyclopedia of Islam]], Haywan article, p.308, vol.3, p.308</ref>

⚫
Muhammad is said to have informed a [[prostitute]] who had seen a thirsty dog hanging about a well and given it water to drink that all her sins were forgiven.<ref name="Forw"> Susan J. Armstrong, Richard G. Botzler, ''The Animal Ethics Reader'', p.237, Routledge (UK) Press </ref>

=== Views regarding particular animals ===
;Dogs
[[Image:620768 52069243.jpg|thumb|120px|right|According to one tradition attributed to Muhammad, black dogs are evil, or even [[devil]]s, in animal form. This report reflects the pre-Islamic Arab mythology and the vast majority of Muslim jurists viewed it to be falsely attributed to Muhammad. <ref>"Dogs in the Islamic Tradition and Nature", Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature </ref>]]
⚫
The majority of Muslim jurists consider [[dog]]s to be unclean (Jurists, particularly from the [[Maliki]] school of thought disagree).<ref name="Fadl"/>

Muhammad is said to have given an order to kill all the dogs in Medina because angel [[Gabriel]] does not enter a house in which there is a dog{{Fact|date=July 2007}}. The hadith is also the "occasion for revelation" of verse {{cite quran|5|4|style=ref}} which indicates the importance of the hunting dog.<ref name="EoQ_Dog"> Bruce Fudge, [[Encyclopedia of the Quran]], ''Dog'' </ref> Most jurists view this hadith to be a fabrication. <ref name="Fadl"/>

⚫
Islam usually cast the dog in a negative light by emphasizing its impurity and often identify dogs as demons or minions of the Devil. The story of the [[Seven Sleepers|Seven sleepers of Ephesus]] in the Qur'an (and also role of the dog in early Christianity) are the striking exceptions.<ref> David Gordon White, Encyclopedia of religion, ''Dog'', p.2393 </ref>. Muhammad didn't like dogs (and most Muslims do not have dogs as pets).<ref name="Forw"/>

According to one tradition attributed to Muhammad, black dogs are evil, or even devils, in animal form. This report reflects the pre-Islamic Arab mythology and the vast majority of Muslim jurists viewed it to be falsely attributed to Muhammad.<ref name="Fadl">http://www.scholarofthehouse.org/dinistrandna.html Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature, s.v. "Dogs in the Islamic Tradition and Nature." New York: Continuum International, forthcoming 2004. By: Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl</ref>

A tradition attributed to Muhammad commands Muslims not trade or deal in dogs<ref>Ahmad Ibn Shu‘ayb al-Nisa’i, Sunan al-Nisa’i (Beirut: Dar al-Kitab al-‘Arabi, n.d.), 7: 309 (The commentaries by al-Suyuti and al-Sanadi are in the margins). Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, Fath al-Bari, 4:426. All reported in El Fadl.</ref> According to El Fadl, this shows the cultural biases against dogs as a source of moral danger. <ref name="Fadl"/>

A tradition attributed to Muhammad says that dogs and [[donkey]]s - if they pass in front of men in prayer - they will void or nullify that prayer.<ref>Al-Nawawi, Sahih Muslim, 3-4:450-1; Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 5:194, 197, 202, 208; Abu Bakr Ibn al-‘Arabi, ‘Aridat al-Ahwadhi bi Sharh Sahih al-Tirmidhi (Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyya, n.d.), 1:133. All reported in El-Fadl.</ref> Most jurist rejected the authenticity of the tradition. <ref name="Fadl"/>

In another tradition attributed to Muhammad, if a dog licks a container, the container must be washed several times, with the sprinkling of [[dust]] in one of the washings. Other versions of this tradition say that the container be washed once, three, or five times, or omit the reference to the sprinkling of dust. <ref>Abu Zakariyya Yahya al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, 3rd ed. (Beirut: Dar al-Ma‘rifa, 1996), 3-4:174-5 ; Ahmad Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, Fath al-Bari bi Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, ed. Muhibb al-Din al-Khatib, 3rd ed. (Cairo: al-Maktaba al-Salafiyya, 1407 AH), 1:331 ; Shams al-Din al-Sarakhsi, Kitab al-Mabsut (Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyya, 1993), 1-2:48. All reported in El-Fadl</ref> Most jurists held that there is no rational basis in this command and that dogs, like pigs, should be considered impure as a matter of "deference to the religious text". The minority of Muslim jurists (particularly those from the [[Maliki]] school of thought) who view dogs as clean animals, did not accept the above tradition.<ref name="Fadl"/>

Another tradition attributed to Muhammad states that the company of dogs voids a portion of a Muslim’s good deeds.<ref> Malik Ibn Anas, al-Muwatta’ (Egypt: al-Babi al-Halabi, n.d.), 2:969. Reported in El Fadl</ref>

Dogs, outside the legal discourse, were often portrayed in the literature as a symbol of highly esteemed virtues such as self-sacrifice and loyalty or on the other hand as an oppressive instrument in the hands of despotic and unjust rulers.<ref name="Fadl"/>

;Donkeys
A tradition attributed to Muhammed says that "when you hear the braying of donkeys, seek Refuge with Allah from [[Satan]] for (their braying indicates) that they have seen a Satan."<ref name=donkey_cock>{{Bukhari|4|54|522}}</ref>

;Camel and Cat
Muhammad's camel, [[Qaswa]], was very dear to him.<ref name="Reeves">Minou Reeves, Muhammad in Europe, New York University (NYU) Press, p.52 </ref> [[Cat]]s were especially loved by Muhammad, he himself is said to have had least one cat called [[Muezza]][http://muttaqun.com/cats.html]. It is said he loved cats so much that "he would do without his cloak rather than disturb one that was sleeping on it."<ref name="Reeves"/>

;Hyenas - Bats - Geckos - Reptiles and Insects
⚫
In Muslim culture [[hyena]]s, [[bat]]s, [[gecko]]s, [[snake]]s, and other reptiles as well as insects are considered to be ugly, dangerous, vicious, but also powerful and often ambivalent.<ref>Jürgen Wasim Frembgen, Völkerkundemuseum. "The Scorpion in Muslim Folklore". Asian Folklore Studies, Volume 63, 2004: 95-123. Munich, Germany.</ref> In [[Hadith]] literature, it is reported from Muhammad that he issued advice to kill the sinful (''[[Fasiq|fawasiq]]'') animal even within the holy area (''[[haram]]'') of [[Mecca]].<ref>Jürgen Wasim Frembgen, Völkerkundemuseum. "The Scorpion in Muslim Folklore". Asian Folklore Studies, Volume 63, 2004: 95-123. Munich, Germany.</ref> It is reported that Muhammad commanded '''geckos''' to be
killed and called them 'little noxious creatures'.<ref>Sahih Muslim; Chapter 35 Book 26, Number 5562</ref>
[[Image:Sow with piglet.jpg|thumb|150px|right|In Islam [[Pig]]s are [[Ḥarām|haram]] for consumption, and it is forbidden.<ref name=pigs>{{cite quran|2|173|style=ref}}, {{cite quran|6|145|style=ref}}</ref>]]

;Pigs
According to many verses of the Quran,<ref name=pigs>{{cite quran|2|173|style=ref}}, {{cite quran|6|145|style=ref}}</ref> the consumption of [[pork]] is forbidden.

;Monkeys
{{cite quran|2|65|style=ref}} mentions that people who broke the [[sabbath]] were turned into [[monkey]]s as a punishment. {{or}}

;Rats
According to {{Bukhari|4|54|524}}, a group of israelites were cursed and transformed into [[rat]]s.

;Salamanders
Muhammad declared that [[Salamander]]s are mischief-doers<ref>{{Bukhari|4|54|525}}</ref> and should be killed. <ref>{{Bukhari|4|54|526}}</ref>

;Cocks
According to {{Bukhari|4|54|522}}, when [[rooster|cock]]s crow it means they have seen an angel.

[[Image:Rotflmbo.jpg|thumb|150px|right|A tradition attributed to [[Muhammad]] says that "If a [[house fly]] falls in the drink of anyone of you, he should dip it (in the drink), for one of its wings has a disease and the other has the cure for the disease." <ref name=fly>{{Bukhari|4|54|537}}</ref>]]

;Housefly
Muhammad said that "If a [[house fly]] falls in the drink of anyone of you, he should dip it (in the drink), for one of its wings has a disease and the other has the cure for the disease." <ref name=fly>{{Bukhari|4|54|537}}</ref>

[[Image:Snake eating mouse.jpg|thumb|150px|right|According to Muhammad, a type of [[snake]] can cause blindness and [[abortion]] to an on-looker.<ref>{{Bukhari|4|54|527}}</ref>]]

;Snakes
According to {{Bukhari|4|54|527}} Muhammad said, "Kill the snake with two white lines on its back, for it blinds the on-looker and causes abortion."

=== Conversation with Animals ===
⚫
In many [[Shi'ite]] accounts of [[Muhammad]] he is said to have conversed nonchalantly with camels, birds and other species. In one account a camel is said to have come to Muhammad and complained that despite service to his owner, the animal was about to be killed. Muhammad summoned the owner and ordered the man to spare the camel.<ref>Foltz (2006), pg.22-23</ref>


=== Hunting and slaughter ===
=== Hunting and slaughter ===
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[[University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover|University of Veterinary Medicine]] in Germany. This study is cited by the [[German Constitutional Court]] in its decision regarding dhabiha slaughtering.<ref>http://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/entscheidungen/rs20020115_1bvr178399en.html</ref>
[[University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover|University of Veterinary Medicine]] in Germany. This study is cited by the [[German Constitutional Court]] in its decision regarding dhabiha slaughtering.<ref>http://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/entscheidungen/rs20020115_1bvr178399en.html</ref>


== Animals in Muslim culture ==
{{Cleanup-remainder|May 2007}}
⚫
In Muslim culture [[hyena]]s, [[bat]]s, [[gecko]]s, [[snake]]s, and other reptiles as well as insects are considered to be ugly, dangerous, vicious, but also powerful and often ambivalent.<ref>Jürgen Wasim Frembgen, Völkerkundemuseum. "The Scorpion in Muslim Folklore". Asian Folklore Studies, Volume 63, 2004: 95-123. Munich, Germany.</ref> In [[Hadith]] literature, it is reported from Muhammad that he issued advice to kill the sinful (''[[Fasiq|fawasiq]]'') animal even within the holy area (''[[haram]]'') of [[Mecca]].<ref>Jürgen Wasim Frembgen, Völkerkundemuseum. "The Scorpion in Muslim Folklore". Asian Folklore Studies, Volume 63, 2004: 95-123. Munich, Germany.</ref>

⚫
Islam usually cast the dog in a negative light by emphasizing its impurity and often identify dogs as demons or minions of the Devil. The story of the [[Seven Sleepers|Seven sleepers of Ephesus]] in the Qur'an (and also role of the dog in early Christianity) are the striking exceptions.<ref> David Gordon White, Encyclopedia of religion, ''Dog'', p.2393 </ref>. Dogs, outside the legal discourse, are often portrayed in the literature as a symbol of highly esteemed virtues such as self-sacrifice and loyalty or on the other hand as an oppressive instrument in the hands of despotic and unjust rulers.<ref name="Fadl"/>


==Vegetarianism==
==Vegetarianism==

Revision as of 00:21, 19 August 2007

Part of a series on
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This article is about the attitudes of Islam regarding animals.

The Qur'an assigns an inferior status to animals in comparison with humans and has a tendency towards anthropocentrism.[1] It nevertheless strongly enjoins Muslims to treat animals with compassion and not to abuse them. The animals, together with all the creation, are believed to praise God, even if this praise is not expressed in human language (e.g. see Quran 17:44).[2]

The Qur'an explicitly allows the eating of the meat of the animals (see Quran 5:1).[2] Although some Sufis have practiced vegetarianism, but to date, there has been no serious discourse on the possibility of vegetarianism interpretations.[2] Certain animals can be eaten under the condition that they are slaughtered in a specified way.[3] Prohibitions include swine, carrion,[4] and animals slaughtered in the name of someone other than God.[3]. Carnivorous Land animals and birds with talons are forbidden. This prohibition does not extend towards marine animals.

In Muslim culture some animals such as hyenas, bats, geckos, snakes, and other reptiles as well as insects are considered to be ugly, dangerous, vicious, but also powerful and often ambivalent.[5]

In pre-Islamic Arabia

Arab bedouin, like other people, attributed the qualities and the faults of humans to animals (e.g. generosity was attributed to the cock, perfidy to the lizard, stupidity to the bustard and boldness to the lion). [6]

Based on the facts that the name of certain tribes bear the names of animals, survivals of animal cults, prohibitions of certain foods and other indications, W. R. Smith argued for practice of totemism by certain tribes of Arabia. Others have argued that these evidences may only imply practice of a form of animalism. In support of this, for example, it was believed that upon one's death, the soul departs from the body in the form of a bird (usually a sort of owl). The soul flys for some time around the tomb and on occasion crys out for vengeance. Although Muhammad rejected this belief but it lived under Islam in various forms. [6]

In the Qur'an

Although over two hundred verses in the Qur'an deal with animals and six suras (chapters) of the Qur'an are named after the animals, animal life is not a predominant theme in the Qur'an. [7] The Arabic term for the "animal" (i.e. haywan) in its only one appearance in the Qur'an means "the true life" and refers to the life in the next world rather than to "animal".[6][7] On the other hand, the Qur'an uses the term dābba which is not typically used in medieval Arabic works on zoology. [7]

The Qur'an explicitly allows the eating of the meat of the animals (see Quran 5:1).[2] Although some Sufis have practiced vegetarianism, but to date, there has been no serious discourse on the possibility of vegetarianism interpretations.[2]

The Qur'an applies the word "Muslim" not only to humans but also to animals and the inanimate world. "The divine will manifests itself in the form of laws both in human society and in the world of nature. In Islamic terminology, for example, a bee is a Muslim precisely because it lives and dies obeying the "shariah" that God has prescribed for the community of bees, just as a person is a Muslim by virtue of the fact that he or she submits to the revealed shariah ordained for humans in the Quran and Sunna.[8]

Although the Qur'an considers humans to occupy the highest place, it nevertheless strongly enjoins Muslims to treat animals with compassion and not to abuse them. The Qur'an states that all creation praises God, even if this praise is not expressed in human language (e.g. see Quran 17:44).[2] In verse Quran 6:38, the Qur'an applies the term "ummah", generally used to mean "a human religious community", for genera of animals. Encyclopedia of the Quran states that this verse have been "far reaching in its moral and ecological implications."[9]

There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end. Quran 6:38

In Sunna

The Muslim tradition contains several stories of Muhammad's kindness to animals. [10]

In many Shi'ite accounts of Muhammad he is said to have conversed nonchalantly with camels, birds and other species. In one account a camel is said to have come to Muhammad and complained that despite service to his owner, the animal was about to be killed. Muhammad summoned the owner and ordered the man to spare the camel.[11]

In Islamic law

Treatment of animals

Muslims are not allowed to capture baby birds, burn ant hills and whip animals cruelly "for fun".[12] A person who hunts down a rabbit for target practice is deemed to be punishable.[13] It is forbidden to cage animals,[citation needed] to beat them unnecessarily, to brand them on the face, or to allowed them to fight each other for human entertainment. "They must not be mutilated while they are alive."[14]

Animals and Ritual purity

The majority of Muslim jurists consider dogs to be ritually unclean (Some jurists, particularly from the Maliki school of thought disagree).[15]

Hunting and slaughter

Main article: Dhabiĥa

Muslims are required to sharpen the blade when slaughtering animals.[16] Muhammad is reported to have said:"For [charity shown to] each creature which has a wet heart (i.e. is alive), there is a reward."[2] Muhammad opposed recreational hunting saying: "whoever shoots at a living creature for sport is cursed."[2] He is also said to have reprimanded some men who were sitting idly on their camels in the marketplace, saying "either ride them or leave them alone". He is also reported to have said: "There is no man who kills [even] a sparrow or anything smaller, without its deserving it, but Allah will question him about it [on the judgment day]," and "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God, is kind to himself."[2][17]

The Islamic method of slaughter has been classed as inhumane by government-funded animal welfare authorities in the UK who have found that it "causes severe suffering to animals."[18][19] Cattle require up to two minutes to bleed to death when such means are employed and in the words of the Chairperson of the Farm Animal Welfare Council:"This is a major incision into the animal and to say that it doesn't suffer is quite ridiculous."[20]

Advocates however contend that it causes little or no pain to the animal and drains its blood more effectively than other methods. They also claim that the Islamic method of slaughter is the fastest method to kill the animal among those used in the modern day.[2] Many refer to a study[21] done by Professor Wilhelm Schulze et al. at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Germany. This study is cited by the German Constitutional Court in its decision regarding dhabiha slaughtering.[22]

Animals in Muslim culture

In Muslim culture hyenas, bats, geckos, snakes, and other reptiles as well as insects are considered to be ugly, dangerous, vicious, but also powerful and often ambivalent.[23] In Hadith literature, it is reported from Muhammad that he issued advice to kill the sinful (fawasiq) animal even within the holy area (haram) of Mecca.[24]

Islam usually cast the dog in a negative light by emphasizing its impurity and often identify dogs as demons or minions of the Devil. The story of the Seven sleepers of Ephesus in the Qur'an (and also role of the dog in early Christianity) are the striking exceptions.[25]. Dogs, outside the legal discourse, are often portrayed in the literature as a symbol of highly esteemed virtues such as self-sacrifice and loyalty or on the other hand as an oppressive instrument in the hands of despotic and unjust rulers.[15]

Vegetarianism

According to Karen Armstrong in her book A History of God, "The Koran does permit meat-eating, but it also encourages healthful foods (which many Muslims conclude does not include animal products). Given these traditions, many Shi'ite Muslims and the Islamic mystics, such as the Sufis, see vegetarianism as the Islamic ideal and choose this diet."

Notes

  1. ^ Encyclopedia of the Qur'an, Animal Life
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature, Islam, Animals, and Vegetarianism
  3. ^ a b Ghamidi (2001): The Dietary Laws
  4. ^ Esposito (2002b), p.111
  5. ^ Jürgen Wasim Frembgen, Völkerkundemuseum. "The Scorpion in Muslim Folklore". Asian Folklore Studies, Volume 63, 2004: 95-123. Munich, Germany.
  6. ^ a b c Hayawān, Encyclopedia of Islam
  7. ^ a b c Animal life, Encyclopedia of the Qur'an
  8. ^ Encyclopedia of Science and Religion, Islam,p.464
  9. ^ Encyclopedia of the Qur'an, Community and Society and Qur'an, Vol. 1, p.371
  10. ^
    • Muhammed is said to have posted sentries to ensure that a bitch with newborn puppies was not disturbed by his army traveling to Mecca in the year 630. cf. Watt, Muhammad: Prophet and Statesman, Oxford University Press, 1961, [1]
    • Muhammad is reported as having reprimanded some men who were sitting idly on their camels in a marketplace, saying "either ride them or leave them alone". He is also reported to have said: "There is no man who kills [even] a sparrow or anything smaller, without its deserving it, but Allah will question him about it [on the judgment day]," and "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself." c.f. Encyclopedia of Islam, Haywan article, p.308, vol.3, p.308
    • Muhammad is said to have informed a prostitute who had seen a thirsty dog hanging about a well and given it water to drink that all her sins were forgiven.c.f.Susan J. Armstrong, Richard G. Botzler, The Animal Ethics Reader, p.237, Routledge (UK) Press
  11. ^ Foltz (2006), pg.22-23
  12. ^ http://www.islamicedfoundation.com/askscholar/animal.htm
  13. ^ http://www.islamonline.com/cgi-bin/news_service/fatwah_story.asp?service_id=539
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference Forw was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Fadl was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  16. ^ P. Aarne Vesilind, Alastair S. Gunn, Engineering, Ethics, and the Environment, Cambridge University Press, p.301
  17. ^ Encyclopedia of Islam, Haywan article, p.308, vol.3, p.308
  18. ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,956385,00.html
  19. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2977086.stm
  20. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2977086.stm
  21. ^ Schulze W, Schultze-Petzold H, Hazem AS, Gross R. Experiments for the objectification of pain and consciousness during conventional (captive bolt stunning) and religiously mandated (“ritual cutting”) slaughter procedures for sheep and calves. Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 1978 Feb 5;85(2):62-6. English translation by Dr Sahib M. Bleher
  22. ^ http://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/entscheidungen/rs20020115_1bvr178399en.html
  23. ^ Jürgen Wasim Frembgen, Völkerkundemuseum. "The Scorpion in Muslim Folklore". Asian Folklore Studies, Volume 63, 2004: 95-123. Munich, Germany.
  24. ^ Jürgen Wasim Frembgen, Völkerkundemuseum. "The Scorpion in Muslim Folklore". Asian Folklore Studies, Volume 63, 2004: 95-123. Munich, Germany.
  25. ^ David Gordon White, Encyclopedia of religion, Dog, p.2393

References

  • El Fadl, Khaled Abou (2004). Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature, s.v. “Dogs in the Islamic Tradition and Nature.” New York:. New York: Continuum International.
  • Foltz, Richard C. (2006). Animals in Islamic Tradition and Muslim Cultures. Oneworld Publications. ISBN 1-85168-398-4.
  • Gill, H.A.R. Shorter Enclyopaedia of Islam. Brill, Netherlands.


See also

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