حيوان
Ḥayawān
Topic
The Quran describes animals as communities like humans, as signs of God, and as creatures owed kindness.
What it means
“There is no creature on the earth or bird flying with its wings except they are communities like you” (6:38). A bee is inspired by its Lord to make homes in the mountains and trees (16:68–69). Cattle and horses are listed among God’s gifts (16:5–8). The ant (27:18), the hoopoe (27:20) and the dog of the cave’s sleepers (18:18) have their places in stories.
The Quran says of bees that “from their bellies comes a drink of varying colours in which is healing for people” (16:69), and the Prophet recommended honey for a man with an upset stomach (Sahih al-Bukhari). The hoopoe, hudhud, brings Solomon news of the Queen of Sheba (27:20–22).
What the sources say
Reports in Sahih al-Bukhari tell of a woman who was punished for locking up a cat, and of a man forgiven for giving water to a thirsty dog. The Prophet forbade burning ants and overloading beasts of burden. Modern writers use these to argue for animal welfare as a part of the faith.