Animals        

There are many other sayings of the Prophet (pbuh) on animals in which any act of ill-treating them, such as making them fight each other, the castration, killing them without a just cause, and the like, is strictly prohibited.[1] The Prophet (pbuh), for instance, said that if one kills a sparrow in jest, it will yell out on the Day of Judgment at the perpetrator: “O Allah, he killed me in jest and not for a use.”[2]

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The relationship between the way we treat the environment and our faith

The relationship between man and the environment should be as sincere and upright as practical and rightly poised. Any deviation from this sensible and middle-path philosophy will invariably result in pushing man to the extremes on either side, all of which, however, are resolutely rejected by Islam. Not only does this doctrine apply to man’s relationship with the environment, but also to everything else related to each and every segment of his existence. This is so because Islam as a universal code of life, and with it the whole Islamic community (Ummah), is made justly balanced, “that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves.” (al-Baqarah 143)

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Subjecting the environment to man

As regards the subjection of the environment by God to man’s use, it is certainly a manifestation of God’s immeasurable mercy over man. Lest he shall become unable to smoothly and responsibly carry out his duties as khalifah, God did not send man to earth until he became fully prepared for his life mission; nor did He send him before earth became fully equipped and set to accommodate him. The Holy Qur’an says: “O ye people! worship your Guardian Lord, Who created you and those who came before you that ye may become righteous; Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth).” (al-Baqarah 21-22)

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The concept of the environment in Islam

In Islam, all things have been created with purpose and in proportion and measure, both qualitatively and quantitatively, (al-Qamar 49). Concerning the environment, which is God’s creation too, its role is dual: to worship its Lord and Creator, and to be subjected to man whom it surrounds. As for the former, Allah says: “Seest thou not that to Allah prostrate all things that are in the heavens and on earth, – the sun, the moon, the stars, the hills, the trees, the animals, and a great number among mankind? But a great number are (also) such as unto whom the chastisement is justly due. And such as Allah shall disgrace, – none can raise to honor: for Allah carries out all that He wills.” (al-Hajj 18)

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Islamic law doesn’t allow the acquisition of others’ property without their consent. Individuals’ rights and their belonging are protected from any illegal action of appropriation, be it from the other people or the public authorities. If this happens, it is called in Islamic law Ghasb. Even in a case of necessity, a mosque is not permitted to be built or extended on a land that is acquired by force. Unless its owner is satisfied and fairly refunded, the action is considered illegal, and prayer in this mosque is said not be accepted.

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