How Prophet Muhammad,(PBUH)treated living creatures

Introduction

Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was sent as a mercy to the entire creation – not just to his own family and tribe or the Arabs or to human beings alone.

Human beings were made the custodian of creation on earth and this custodianship entails treating all living creatures with kindness and mer- cy. These qualities are best shown by the actions and narrations of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He reminded people that they will be answerable to Allah for their treatment of other living crea- tures. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, did not merely admonish people to refrain from physical cruelty towards animals; he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa allam, even took into consideration the emotional distress and maternal feelings of defenseless creatures.

In pre-Islamic times, pagan superstitions and polytheistic practices included acts of torture and cruelty to animals such as cutting off the humps of camels and the fat tails of sheep when they were alive. Islam condemned this, put a stop to all such practices and instituted strict rules regarding animal slaughter, wherein protecting animals from pain and undue suffering is paramount.
Humankind must strike a balance in their treatment of animals and ensure that they are not overburdened, mutilated or tortured. As Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, reminded us, a true believer in Allah demonstrates his or her belief by respecting the entire creation and utilizing them in a responsible manner.

Allah created man and honored him by subjecting animals for his ser- vice to fulfill his needs. Man benefits from their meat and milk, wears clothes made from their wool and leather and produces perfumes from some of them.