The Duties Incumbent on the Individual (4/4)

The Rights of the Rest of Creation

Allah has distinguished man over many of His creatures, and permitted him to utilize them as he chooses after having subjecting them to him. This is a part of man's legitimate right, being the best of creatures on earth. In return, Allah has charged man with certain obligations towards these creatures. Of such obligations; man must not abuse, harm, or endanger these creatures unnecessarily, unless there is no alternative. Man must choose the best way of utilizing these creatures, and enjoy them in the best possible way.

There are many rulings in the Shari'ah that deal with this issue. Man is permitted to kill animals only for food, or for protecting himself from their danger. There is a stern warning against killing animals senselessly, or for the fun of doing so. As for animal that are killed for human consumption, there is a designated method for slaughtering them. It is the best method for utilizing their meat for food. Any method other than the Islamic one, regardless how humane it may appear, would only lessen the benefit of the animals meat, and if it is less humane, it would subject the animal to more torture. Islam recommends neither methods.

Killing animals in a harsh way is strictly forbidden in Islam. Exterminating dangerous, and venomous animals is permissible only because human life is more precious than such animals' life. Even then, Islam forbids subjecting these animals to torture. Starving animals that are used for hauling and toiling, overburdening them, or beating them harshly is prohibited in Islam. So is trapping birds without valid reason. Islam does not allow destroying trees senselessly, let alone harming animals. We may harvest the fruits off the trees, or the flowers, but not to destroy them or uproot them unnecessarily, wasting lifeless things such as water, or the like is not permissible either.

The Perpetual Universal Shari'ah

The foregoing is just a synopsis of the laws, and regulations of the chaste Shari'ah with which our Prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him, is sent to mankind at large. Only the correct creed, and deed are the criteria for distinguishing one man over another in Islam. In fact, man-made laws, and religions that distinguish between one man and another on the basis of lineage, country of origin, color, and wealth are not fit to be universal religion, because, in such religions, it is impossible for a member of one race to excel over another from a lower race. Such denominations may be restricted to one particular nation only. In the face of all these denominations, Islam has introduced the universal Shari'ah which is open to anyone who upholds its creed, i.e., the Testimony of Faith that signifies: (There is no true god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah), and enjoy, as a result the same rights that all other Muslims do. There is no consideration given in the Islamic Shari'ah to lineage, language, country of origin, color, or wealth.

Besides, the Islamic Shari'ah is perpetual. Its laws are not based on norms of a certain nation, or one particular age. Rather it is assigned to fulfill man's needs in every age and everywhere, for the One Who has legislated it is the One Who created man. He knows what suits man's nature best at all ages and everywhere.

The last of our supplications is: "All praise is due to the Rubb of the worlds."