[PDF] Rights of animals in Islam

Islam permits the use of animals, the use of their strength and the use of their meat and skin where necessary. It is binding upon mankind to treat animals in a humane manner, and to treat those within one’s custody or outside one’s custody with care, humility and respect to not only their physical, but also their mental well-being.
Mistreatment of any part of nature, be it the animal kingdom or the destruction of the earth itself is a major sin and condemned in Islam. An interesting factor is that these guidelines and comprehensive principles have existed for over 1400 years, unchanged, and an integral part of our way of life.