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Can Muslims keep pets?

Can Muslims keep pets?

17 - Jan - 2021
Lifestyle
4
Min

Nowadays, pets are inseparable parts of people’s lives. In the United States, for example, over 60% of families have pets. Some have dogs, cats, while others keep fish, turtles, birds, rabbits, horses, sheep, pigs, or chickens. No one knows for sure when the first animals were domesticated, but according to history, humans have always developed close associations with animals. Although early humans might have first sought to domesticate animals as living tools, other benefits of animals caused humans to keep pets, too. Muslims can also exploit animals taking into account some considerations stated below.

Animals from The Islamic Point of View

Islam has never been indifferent to animals. The proofs are verses of the Quran, Sunnah, and sayings of the Imams (AS) which strongly exhort Muslims to treat animals and birds with compassion, not to abuse them, and repeatedly blame cruelty towards them.

In a narration, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) enumerates six rights for an animal over its owner, of which are: “he should not burden it with a load that it cannot bear, he should not hit the animal except when it truly deserves”, etc. [1].  

Hence, hitting a dog in the face or body as punishment and making it obedient through fear, putting a heavy load on a camel or a horse, providing little food for a cat, and putting a canary in a small cage are all blamed in Islam. It is also quoted from the Prophet (PBUH&HP) that God forgave a prostitute who saved a thirsty dog from death by drawing up some water from a well using her shoes [2]. Also, According to the Quran, all living and non-living creatures are made by Allah [i], and He loves all animals; so should do humans.

Keep pets: Allowed or Not?

In Islamic teachings, there is nothing wrong with keeping animals and it is even recommended in some cases; except for some animals that Islamic conditions or prohibition on keeping them should be observed. Besides, keeping some animals such as roosters, camels, sheep, horses, cats, and pigeons is highly recommended [3].

In other words, keeping permissible animals is allowed, and in some cases, it brings blessing to its owner [4]. But, this should be under certain circumstances, such as: treating and feeding pets properly, having enough space to accommodate them, considering the hygienic requirements of both the animal and its owner, and respecting neighbors’ rights.

For accommodating an animal at home, a proper separate shelter must be provided, based on the needs and the nature of the animal. For a bird, for example, a comfortable cage indoors suffices, but a camel or a sheep must be kept outdoors! In this regard, apart from the hygienic points that should be taken into account, the excrement and urine of some birds and animals are impure (Najis), hence, keeping them indoors needs attention [5].

What is encouraged in Islam is keeping domesticated animals that need humans to protect and feed them, or wild animals which require protection; otherwise it should be avoided, especially if keeping the animal at home causes harm to it [5].

Why Keeping Certain Pets Is Recommended in Islam?

A review of the Islamic narrations reveals that the emphasis on keeping pets is because of the benefits and the blessings that certain animals bring to their owners and saving them and their families from disasters. Having camels, horses and sheep were advised in the past because of their role in the economy of the family, transportation, and defense. And nowadays, many people around the world consume the products obtained from sheep, and some still use horses and camels for farm work and transport in some areas.

In some sayings keeping a rooster, pigeon, sheep, and cat is named among the ways of drawing sustenance and benefits [6]. Another advantage of having pets is that some animals warn humans in case of danger, they clean up their surroundings from vermin and prevent waste [3].

It is also essential to know that respecting the animals’ rights is of paramount importance in Islam and is explicitly stated in Islamic teachings. This equally applies to both animals permitted and forbidden to be kept by Muslims. This prevents from treating animals cruelly, neglecting them, over-working or over-loading animals (as stated above), and hunting them for sport.

Which animals are forbidden to keep?

It was said that keeping animals is recommended in Islam, but not all of them; like dogs and especially pigs. Since dogs are considered impure (Najis) and humans are susceptible to catch a disease from them, Muslims are advised against keeping them [3]. Nevertheless, there is nothing in Islam that states to hate dogs or harm them. On the contrary, feeding dogs (even stray dogs) and watering them are reported in Sunnah and the conduct of the Imams (AS) [7]. It is also permitted to keep dogs where they assist humans and are kept outdoors [3].

But about pigs, as there is no benefit in keeping them and as they are impure (Najis), Muslims are forbidden to keep them [5].

Notes:
[i] (25:59), (2:29), (45:4), etc.

References: 

  1. H. T. Nuri Ṭabarsi, “Mustadrak al-Wassail”, vol. 8, p. 258, T. 9393.
  2. S. A. al-Muttaqi, “Kanz al-Ummal”, T. 43116.
  3. A. Javadi Amoli, “Mafatih al-hayat”, p. 643.
  4. M. B. Majlesi, “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 16, p. 124.
  5. Complete Risalah Amaliyah.
  6. Muhaddith Nuri, “Mustadrak al-Wasail”, vol. 8, p. 248.
  7. M. B. Majlesi, “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 104, p. 41, T. 52.


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A Seed of Hope and a successful life

29 - Jan - 2023 55 Read 2 Min

What is “hope” and how important it is in our lives? Why do we need hope? How can we cultivate moments of hope in our lives and honour our hope in small ways even through hard times? In other words, How hope makes us successful? And what is the importance of hope for a believer?
 A seed of hope is the beginning of every good thing in our livesHope gives birth to  ?! life. It always believes for the best, even in the face of the worst circumstances. 
For believers in Allah, hope is much more than a wish or a positive outlook; it is based on the promises of Allah found in His Word. They are promises to move on our behalf. 

How can we hope in this world full of problems?

 We can have hope in life no matter what surrounds us because we serve a mighty Allah who cares about us as  knows us by name, and understands the desires of our  hearts. “He knows whatever there is in the heavens and the earth, and He knows whatever you hide and whatever you disclose, and Allah knows best what is in the hearts”.[1] He who  had known us before we were even formed in our mother’s womb. “Indeed the knowledge of the Hour (Resurrection) is with Allah. He sends down the rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. No soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed Allah is The  All-knowing, The All-aware”.[2]

a seed of hope


 Perhaps you are facing setbacks with your job or relationships. Maybe you are struggling financially or the pressures of life  is just overwhelming you. If  it applies to you, there is still hope! Allah is for you, not against you. His resources are endless As He says, “There is not a thing but that its sources are with Us, and We do not send it down except in a known measure”. [3] His power and love know no boundaries. Allah is on your side. Do not let the enemy, Satan, your  thoughts, or anyone else tell you anything different. Keep hope alive and never  give up! “Satan frightens you of poverty and prompts you to [commit] indecent acts. But Allah promises you His forgiveness and grace, and Allah is The All-bounteous,  The All-knowing”. [4] Allah is a God of more than enough as He does not have any lack. He always has a solution and is ready to speak to you,  encourage you and for some, to rescue you. Let me ask you where your hope is today. Is it in people; in your   capabilities; in your  occupation? Be encouraged and build your hope on nothing less than Allah himself. And put your trust in Him; He suffices as trustee “and He is an excellent trustee”. [5] He is your solid rock in which all other ground is sinking sand. 
Hope today, hope now! Know that whoever hopes in Allah and trusts in Him, will never be/get disappointed. This is the right path and this is the way of salvation. Always remember this verse of the Holy Quran, “Say, nothing will befall us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our master, and in Allah let all the faithful put their trust”.[6]

references

  1. (The Qur’an; 64:4)
  2. (The Qur’an; 31:34)
  3. (The Qur’an; 31:34)
  4. (The Qur’an; 31:34)
  5. (The Qur’an; 31:34)
  6. (The Qur’an; 9:51)

 



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Imam Ridha (AS)

07 - Sep - 2023 36 Read 4 Min

Imam Ridha (AS) is the eighth Shiite Imam. His original name was Ali, and his father’s name was Musa (AS). He was also known the Ra’uf Imam, which means a kind-hearted person. He was born on Dhu al-Qa’da 11th 148 H (765 AC).

Imam Ridha (AS) was the successor of his father, Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS). After Imam Kazim (AS), the Shia community faced several problems:

Firstly, a new deviated branch of the Shias emerged, called “Waghifiah”. Waghfiah believed that Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS) hadn’t died and he was still alive. They said that Imam Kazim (AS) was the promised Mahdi (AS) in Occultation and he would return one day. This rumor spread among the Shias, and many of them struggled with this test, denying the Imamate of Imam Ridha (AS).

Secondly, the situation worsened due to the belief that Imam Ridha (AS) had no living son which implied he had no successor. Those who denied the Imamate of Imam Ridha (AS) considered this as a sign that he was not a legitimate Imam. This was one of the most dangerous tests the Shias faced. 

Thirdly, during Imam Ridha (AS) time, the Shia population had significantly increased, and many Shias were engaging in conflicts with the contemporary Abbasid Dynasty government. Abbasid dynasty was consistently hostile towards the Shias, subjecting them to severe oppression, especially during time of Harun ar-Rashid, one of the Abbasid kings in the time of Imam Ridha (AS). To ensure the survival of the Abbasid dynasty, Ma’mun, the successor of Harun, attempted to gain favor with the Shias by falsely declaring Imam Ridha (AS) as his successor. This led many people to believe that Imam Ridha (AS) had a good relationship with the cruel Abbasid dynasty, causing them to deny his Imamate.

Imam Ridha (AS) successfully resolved all these three problems during his time as Imam. 

The Problem of Waghifiah 

The beliefs of the Waghifiah were actually against the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP).

They believed that Imam Kazim (AS) was the last Shiite Imam and the promised Mahdi (AS).

However, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & HP) had foretold that there would be twelve successors (Imams) after him:

Indeed, this religion will not end until twelve successors [of me] rise among the people. (1)

Based on this and similar hadiths, Imam Ridha (AS) refuted the beliefs of the Waghifiah. 

the Son of Imam Ridha (AS)

After a while, Imam Jawad (AS), the son of Imam Ridha (AS) was born. Now people could see that Imam Ridha (AS) have a legitimate successor, and their doubts were unfounded. About Imam Javad (AS), Imam Ridha (AS) said:

No more blessed child than this boy has been born for the Shias. (2) 

The birth of Imam Javad (AS) served as a proof of  Imam Ridha’s (AS) Imamate. 

imam ridha

The secession of Ma’mun

Ma’muns’ policy concerning Imam Ridha (AS) aimed to deceive the Shias, and it did deceive some of them. However, Imam Ridha (AS) had his own strategy. Initially, he refused Ma’mun’s proposal to become his successor. Still, Ma’mun forced Imam Ridha (AS) to accept it, threatening to kill him otherwise.(3) Therefore, Imam Ridha (AS) accepted under conditions. Imam Ridha (AS) said:

I accept your proposal under the condition that I can’t command or prohibit anyone, I won’t be the Judge, I won’t appoint anyone to be a ruler or to depose one. I won’t change anything. (4)

Ma’mun accepted these conditions, but he didn’t realize that this demonstrated would Imam Ridha’s (AS) disagreement with his plan. By making this condition, accepting Ma’mun’s proposal was no different from rejecting it. After a while, Ma’mun understood that he couldn’t use Imam Ridha (AS) to deceive the Shias, so he decided to kill Imam Ridha (AS), and he did. 

Imam Ridha (AS) was poisoned by Ma’mun on Safar 30th, 203 H (818 AC).

Resources

  1. Sahih al-Muslim, Muslim an-Neishaburi, vol.3, pg.1452
  2. Al-Kafi, Sheikh Koleini, vol.1, pg.321
  3.  I’lal ash-Shara’I, Sheikh Saduq, pg.238
  4.  I’lam al-Vara, Sheikh Tabarsi, vol.2, pg.72
     


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