“He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”
-EMMANUEL KANT
What is Animalism?
Animalism is an ethical and moral philosophy that emphasizes the importance of sensitive creatures. Animalism is similar to humanism or humanity, in which we only focus on animals and their needs and all interests. Animalism encourages concern for all animals’ rights. An animalist sees animals as people and as sentient people, capable of feeling physical pain.
What is the basic concept of Animal Rights?
Animal rights seem to be the concept in which any or all animals have the right to own their own lives and that their most important needs, including the need to prevent distress – should be taken into account with similar interests. In other words, some animal species have the right, rather than an unfeeling property, to be regarded as persons with their own wishes and needs.
Now, what is going on in Pakistan?
Let’s have a look at, killing dogs by giving them poison, the captivity of wild animals, and chaining endangered species, beating donkeys just because they are carrying weight more than they can carry? And still, there are many things happening which is really alarming.
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, an Islamic state, in which all these things are happening is really depressing. Sometimes words are not enough to explain, you need to aware of others so one can take steps towards the betterment of society. People in Pakistan try to hide in the shelter of religion but just for their own needs and benefits.
Islam is the religion of peace, and our Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) loves animals. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) condemned the beating of animals and forbade striking, branding, or marking them on the face. And we as Muslims beat donkeys, horses and we even kill dogs, without any reason. Why? They have families too. They are living souls too. They can feel too. We, humans, are nothing if we do not feel for innocent ones. Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also cursed and chastised those who mistreated animals and gave praise to those who showed kindness.
Qur’an actually forbids human actions which may lead to harm.
transgress not in the balance, and weigh with justice, and skimp not in the balance…
SURAH AR-RAHMAN 55:8–10
earth, He set it down for all beings
One Hadith Quotes Prophet Muhammad (PBUB) as saying: “A good deed done to an animal is as meritorious as a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being.”
Now, can a good Muslim go against the teaching of the Quran and Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Think about it and just look into the eyes of innocent animals, look and you will find them questioning us about humanity. Are we really humans if we even can’t protect the innocent poor souls?
