Together against animal cruelty

Together against animal cruelty

April 01, 2017
Dakheel Al-Mohammadi
Dakheel Al-Mohammadi

Dakheel Al-Mohammadi

By Dakheel Al-Mohammadi

 

A large number of Saudis have reacted passionately following the recent circulation of a video on social media showing animals tied with steel wire. A look of excruciating pain can be seen on the faces of these animals. A Saudi took the video and called on the authorities to take drastic action against the animals’ owner. No sane human being would do something cruel like this to innocent and powerless animals.

I wonder what the owner was thinking when he did this. Did he not realize that the wire would hurt the animals? I am sure this man is cruel and probably has not heard of the text from the Holy Qur’an: “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.” (6:38)

This text clearly shows that animals are living creatures including insects, reptiles, birds, etc. These animals form communities as we do and have similar characteristics to us. We have a duty to these animals. We have to treat them with mercy.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urged us to treat animals kindly even when slaughtering them. He said: “Verily Allah has prescribed ihsan (which refers to reaching perfection in worshipping Allah) in all things. So if you kill, then kill well; if you slaughter, then slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters.”

According to psychiatrists, if a person tortures an animal, it is highly likely that this person suffers a psychiatric or mental problem. It is highly possible that the person might commit serious crimes in the future against human beings and animals. Studies have shown that animal torturers tend to harbor hostile feelings toward members of the public. The environment they grow up causes them to develop anti-social feelings.
I hope the authorities impose harsh penalties on anyone who tortures or abuses animals.


April 01, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS