Wisdom of The Holy Prophet — Page 25
ANIMALS 25 5 Animals There is not an animal that moves about in the earth. nor a bird that flies on its two wings, but are communities like you. We have not left out anything in the Book. Then to their Lord shall they be gathered together. (6. 39). * * * The Holy Prophet (peace be on him) said: 1. If Allah forgives you the way you treat animals, He will have forgiven you a great deal. 2. He who kills even a sparrow needlessly is account able to Allah on the Day of Judgment. 3. Be mindful of your duty to Allah in the matter of your dumb bea·sts; ride them when they are in good con dition and slaughter them for meat when they are in good condition. 4. When you travel in a season of plenty, let the mounts have their share from the herbage and when you travel in a season of drought drive them along so as to arrive at the end of the journey before their humps melt away; and when you camp for the night, choose a site away from the beaten track as reptiles frequent such tracks at night and wild beasts use it for rest. 5. Allah has prescribed kindliness towards all creatures; when you must kill adopt the best method, and when you slaughter an animal do it mercifully, sharpen the knife and reduce its suffering. 6. Do not slaughter a she-goat which yields milk. 7. Take to rearing sheep, for they are a source of blessing. 8. There is good in the foreheads of horses. 9. Leave the birds alone secure in their nests.