Fundamental needs of animals in Islam includes their rights in Islam, and human beings have to fulfill them. The very first needs of animals which are vital to them include sufficient and proper food, water, a comfortable place to rest and live, and physical health. These and some other rights of the animals are discussed in this article.

Food for Animals in Islam

Animals are unable to talk and express their needs. Captivating the animals and inhibiting them from the blessings that God has reserved for them are unfair [1]. Every animal with either lawful (Halal) or unlawful (Haram) meat, with or without benefit to its owner, birds or cattle, should be provided with adequate food and water, otherwise should be released to seek for its requirements [2]. The animals’ rights in food provision can be listed as:

Feeding the animal adequately, otherwise, it should be released in pastures or nature to find food [3];
Paying special attention to the animal, with whether lawful  [i] (Halal) or unlawful [ii] (Haram) meat, which gives milk to its baby because it requires double food supply [4]. Imam Ali (AS) ordered the alms-tax collectors nor to separate the camel from its baby neither to milk the whole milk of the camel as it might be harmful to the baby camel [5];

Not to feed the animal with unlawful food since it is detestable (Makruh) [6];
Not to leave the animal hungry. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) blamed a man who had left his camel hungry: “you should fear God!” [7];
Watering animal. Partial (Wudu) and full (Ghusl) ablution are some sorts of washing body which are obligatory for Muslims in certain conditions and are prerequisites for some religious duties. Regarding Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), if an animal is dying of thirst and there is not enough water to both water the animal and perform the ablution, at certain conditions, watering the animal is the priority [8]. Imam Baqir (AS) said that whoever waters a thirsty animal, God will place him at the shelter of His Throne the day that there is no protection except Him [9].

Health and Treatment of Animals in Islam

Hygiene and health of the animal are emphasized in Islam. Providing animals with healthy food and water, a clean place to live and the required treatments and medications are of the duties over their owners. Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) obliges the owner of the animal to pay the expenses of the treatment of the animal [10].

Rest and Peace

It is over every Muslim to consider the rest and peace of the animal. Thereby, an appropriate place should be provided for the animal. Also, a suitable time should be considered for the exploitation of the animal, especially during the night that they need to rest. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) advised to let the animals rest whenever they are utilized and ordered not to oppress them[11].

These and other Islamic advises demonstrate how much care is given to the animals in Islam. This is contrary to the modern thinking ideas that consider animals as machines to serve humans without needing any rest. 

Reproduction

Human beings are not allowed to deprive animals of reproduction [12]. According to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP), sterilizing the animal is equal to dismembering it [12]. 

Affection toward Animals in Islam

An animal raised by a human being has the right of affection over its owner. Hence, it is detestable that the owner of the animal slaughters the animal that he\she has raised [13]. This shows that Islam considers the rights due to a harmonious cohabitation for humans over each other as well as for animals over humans. Imam Sajjad (AS) made a will to bury his camel after its death so that it might not be torn apart by the wild animals [14]. 

Respect for the Animals in Islam

Animals trained for purposes such as companionship, detection, protection, farm work, etc.  have received great care in Islamic teachings such that keeping a trained dog at home is permitted if the hygiene tips are considered [15]. It is narrated that a man who had his horse with him, saluted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP). Prophet (PBUH&HP) saluted both the man and his horse in return [16].

This demonstrates the importance of keeping respect for the animals, especially those that are trained. In this regard, branding iron animal on the face (which was common in the past among some ethnic groups) is forbidden in Islam and is considered unfair [17]. Also, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) ordered not to rest while seated on the animals’ back [18].

Punishments for Ignoring the Rights of the Animals in Islam

Respecting the rights of the animals in Islam is so important that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) said that whoever ignores the rights of the animals that he\she had owned, he\she should wait in the judgment day until those animals pass over while crushing or butting him\her [19]. 

Notes:
[i]. e.g., cow or sheep.
[ii]. e.g., dog. 

References:

1. A. Javadi Amoli, “Mafatih al-hayat”, p. 675.
2. Sheikh al-Tusi, “Al-Mabsoot”, vol. 6, p. 47.
3. H. T. Nuri Ṭabarsi, “Mustadrak al-Wasail”, vol. 8, p. 36.
4. A. Javadi Amoli, “Mafatih al-hayat”, p. 678.
5. “Nahj al-Balagha”, letter 25.
6. Sheikh al-Tusi, “Tahdhib al-Ahkam”, vol. 9, p. 115.
7. M. B. Majlesi, “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 61, p. 111.
8. A. Javadi Amoli, “Mafatih al-hayat”, p. 681.
9. “Makarim al-Akhlaq”, p. 135.
10. M. H. Najafi, “Jawahir al-Kalam”, vol. 36, p. 436-437.
11. J. Suyuti, “Jami al-Sagheer”, vol. 1, p. 102.
12.  A. Javadi Amoli, “Mafatih al-hayat”, p. 686.
13.  A. Al-Barqi, “Al-Mahasin”, p. 634.
14. Shaykh al-Saduq, “Thawab al-A'mal wa 'Iqab al-A'mal”, p. 50.
15. Animals in Islam
16. F. Rawandi, “Al-Nawader”, p. 41-42.
17. Shaykh Saduq, “Al-Amali”, p. 507.
18. Q. Nu'man, “Da'a'im al-Islam”, vol 1, p. 347.
19. Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, “Sahih Muslim”, vol. 3, p. 74.

Dancing is a natural behavior in many cultures; a way of showing happiness or sometimes sadness. In a theory raised by me! the release of energy by moving our body is dancing. But in a theory raised by a scholar "dance refers to a rhythmic movement of the body, usually for entertainment" [1]. Now, let us take both of these definitions into consideration and see what kind of dancing in Islam is forbidden (Haram).

The General Ruling of Dancing in Islam

In the view of some Islamic scholars, it is not permissible for women to dance anywhere in any ceremony irrespective of whether it is a wedding or a birthday ceremony except for a woman's dancing for her husband.

In expanding the above ruling, it has been said that “there is no problem in dancing in itself. However, if dancing entails sexual excitation or committing a forbidden (Haram) act like listening to forbidden (Haram) music, or it is in the presence of non-mahram men, it is forbidden (Haram). And it does not make a difference as to the various types of music. Generally speaking, if dancing is done in a sexually exciting manner, and lead to the commission of a forbidden act, or involves a bad effect, or if it is happening in front of a non-Mahram it is forbidden (Haram)” [3].

If a woman dances for her husband or vice-versa, and the dancing is not accompanied by a forbidden (Haram) act, there is no problem in it [4].

Dancing in Mixed Parties

In mixed parties where men and women are sitting together, the dance of men or women in front of others is forbidden. Some think that it is OK if men dance in front of women. But in fact, it is forbidden (Haram) for a man to dance. Dance of women in front of men and any dancing which may entail a bad effect and arousal of sexual desires are forbidden (Haram). Playing music and listening to it is also unlawful (Haram) if it is done in a lahwi, enrapturing manner.

No matter if men or women who are dancing together or in front of others are of their unmarriageable kin (maḥrams) of the opposite sex. What is forbidden about dancing is general, i.e., regardless of whether it is done by a man, a woman, or in the presence of one’s marriageable kin (non-maḥram) or unmarriageable kin (maḥram) [5].

Women Dancing for Women in Small Parties, Friendly Gatherings, and Weddings

Dance of women for women is permitted (Halal) if it is not done in a sexually exciting manner and does not lead to the commission of a forbidden act, nor entails a bad effect. However, it is forbidden (Haram) to attend a dance party if it is considered as accepting the forbidden (Haram) act of others or leads to committing a forbidden (Haram) act. Otherwise, there is no harm in it. Dance of a woman for other women is forbidden if her husband does not allow her to do so. 

Some people think that the rulings of dancing do not apply to wedding parties as it is just one happy night. But there is no difference between a  wedding party and other occasions. Dancing with music is forbidden (Haram) [6].

In the case of wedding parties, the dance of women in front of women is not forbidden (Haram) under the conditions mentioned above.

Men Dancing for Men in Separate Parties or Weddings

As mentioned before, by obligatory caution, it is forbidden (Haram) for men to dance.

Dancing for fitness/ Aerobics and other sports with music

Here we discuss the point of releasing energy by moving the body. Is it forbidden (Haram)?

If the movements of the body do not meet the criteria of forbidden (Haram) dance, and if it is not accompanied by forbidden (Haram) music, there is no problem in dancing in private or in groups of women for fitness. However, we have to make sure that such dancing is not happening in front of CCTV cameras or filmed by people who may show it to non-mahrams.

Aerobics and other sports that are based on rhythmic music are permissible if the music is not forbidden (Haram). If music does not cause ecstasy, there is no objection to it. The duty-bound (mukallaf) himself should distinguish whether the music is lahwi or not [7].

Dance Teaching Centers

Establishing centers for teaching and promoting dancing goes against the objectives of the Islamic system and it is impermissible by obligatory caution [8].

References:

1. Sayyid Mujtaba Husseini, Questions and Answers by Students (Rules regarding Music), pg. 84
2. Ayatullah Makarem-Shirazi, jurisprudential expressions, http://portal.anhar.ir/node/409#gsc.tab=0
3. Sayyid Mas'ud Ma'sumi, Rules regarding Man-Woman Relationships, pg. 219
4. Tawzih al-Masail (with annotations by Imam Khomeini), vol.2, pg. 970
5. Dancing
6. dance in Islam
7. Dance
8. Dance infront of non Mahrams