THE DAILY ISLAMIC REMINDERS. Yaumul Jumuat, 10th day of Jumaadal Aakhir 1440, (Friday, 15th February, 2019). THE RIGHTS OF ANIMALS IN ISLAAM. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. AlhamdulilLah for granting us another blessed day of the week. Islam upholds the rights of animals to kind treatment and justice the same as it does for human beings. Animals should not be abused or taken for granted. ALLAH has informed us that the animals are communities like human beings and have similar rights. ALLAH says: وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَائِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّا أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم There is no creature on the earth or bird that flies with its wings but that they are communities like you. Quran 6:38. Imam Al-Qurtubi may ALLAH be pleased with him comments on this verse, saying; They are groups like you in that ALLAH the Exalted has created them, provides for them, and makes justice between them. Thus, you should not wrong them or transgress the limits that you have been commanded. Al-Jāmi’ li-Aḥkām al-Qur’ān 6:38. As we are held responsible for our behavior towards other people, so are we held responsible for our behavior towards animals. On the Day of Judgment, ALLAH will restore the rights of every creature including the animals. If we had violated the rights of an animal in the world, then ALLAH will take retribution on their behalf in the Hereafter. Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of ALLAH, peace and blessings be upon him, said: لَتُؤَدُّنَّ الْحُقُوقَ إِلَى أَهْلِهَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ حَتَّى يُقَادَ لِلشَّاةِ الْجَلْحَاءِ مِنْ الشَّاةِ الْقَرْنَاءِ The rights of everyone will be restored on the Day of Resurrection until justice is fulfilled, even between the hornless sheep and the horned sheep. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2582. One of the most important rights that belong to animals is that they are entitled to our good treatment. ALLAH rewards our acts of charity that we do for any living creature, all human and animals included. In fact, ALLAH appreciates mercy, kindness, and empathy for the animals so much that it can result in the forgiveness of our sins and that is proofing. The Prophet said: فِي كُلِّ كَبِدٍ رَطْبَةٍ أَجْرٌ In every living being there is a reward for charity. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5663, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi. We can only defend ourselves from wild animals who are in our territory and can harm us such as snakes, scorpions etc then we can kill them but we shouldn't hunt to kill them in their territory unless to eat. Please ensure you recite suuratul kahf, take your ghusul, clear your private parts, armpit, send more salutations to the Prophet sallalLaahu Alaihi Wasallam and go early to the masjid. May ALLAH (Azza wa Jal, The Mighty and the Majestic) aid us through our little efforts to please HIM. Aameen.