Animal Welfare in Islam: A Divine Mandate of Mercy, Justice, and Ethical Responsibility

Abstract

Concerns about how animals are treated have grown sharply in recent times, drawing responses from global regulators, ecologists, and faith-based thinkers. Far from being silent on such matters, Islamic tradition presents a structured approach to safeguarding animal well-being - one that predates current advocacy by many generations. Sources like the Qur’an, recorded sayings of the Prophet, and early legal interpretations form the core evidence here, examined next to modern rules found in international standards and Pakistan’s own statutes through a close interpretive method. Its path unfolds across four parts: first, a look at existing laws worldwide, within regions, and inside nations; second, reflections on why treating animals ethically matters - not just morally, but also spiritually, scientifically, environmentally, and economically; third, a breakdown of what exact entitlements creatures hold under Islam, based directly on scripture, oral reports, and juristic decisions; fourth, guidance drawn from Shariah on managing livestock, featuring Mufti Asad Mahmood’s thorough account covering food supply, reproduction, medical needs, milk production, killing for meat, and dealing with pests. What emerges clearly is that caring for animals in Islam does not rest on preference or chance - it binds believers by duty, shaped deeply by compassion, fairness, and humanity’s role as stewardship entrusted by God - making it both principled and usable today.

Keywords: Animal Welfare, Islamic Ethics, Animal Rights in Islam, Shariah, Fiqh, Rahma, Halal, Shepherding, Qur'an, Prophetic Traditions