The Messenger of Allah ﷺ, often referred to as the “Mercy to the Universe,” embodied a compassion that extended to all creation, including animals and the environment. This attribute is emphasized in the Quran, where Allah says in Surah Al-Anbiya verse 107:
Which means: We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world.
His life serves as a shining example of how to treat every living being with profound kindness and respect, embodying the deep mercy that defined his character. Through his actions and words, he taught us that compassion should extend to all creatures, human and animal alike, illustrating that true strength lies in gentleness and understanding.
His approach to life emphasized that mercy is not just an occasional act, but a consistent practice that defines our interactions with the world around us, guiding us to live with empathy and integrity in every moment.
The Prophet’s ﷺ Mercy Towards Animals
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ extended his kindness far beyond just humans, showing remarkable mercy and compassion toward animals as well. His teachings and actions were a testament to his deep concern for the well-being of all creatures, recognizing that animals are also part of Allah’s creation.
He emphasized that they, too, deserve care and respect, and he taught us that treating them with compassion is not just a moral duty but a reflection of our own humanity.
The Prophet ﷺ’s attitude towards animals serves as a profound reminder that mercy should encompass all living beings, and that our interactions with them should be guided by empathy and consideration for their needs and welfare.
The Story of the Camel
In a Hadith by ‘Abd Allaah bin Jafar, said “The Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) seated me behind him(on his ride) one day, and told me secretly a thing asking me not to tell it to anyone. The place for easing dearer to the Apostle of Allah(ﷺ) was a mound or host of palm trees by which he could conceal himself. He entered the garden of a man from the Ansar(Helpers). All of a sudden when a Camel saw the Prophet (ﷺ) it wept tenderly producing yearning sound and it eyes flowed. The Prophet (ﷺ) came to it and wiped the temple of its head. So it kept silent. He then said “Who is the master of this Camel? Whose Camel is this? A young man from the Ansar came and said “This is mine, Apostle of Allah(ﷺ).” He said “Don’t you fear Allah about this beast which Allah has given in your possession. It has complained to me that you keep it hungry and load it heavily which fatigues it.” (Hadith Narrated by Imam Abu Dawud)
This Hadith narrates an incident where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encountered a distressed camel while visiting a garden owned by an Ansari. The camel, upon seeing the Prophet, began to weep, making a yearning sound, and tears flowed from its eyes.
The Prophet, known for his deep compassion, immediately approached the camel and comforted it by wiping its head, which calmed the animal down. He then asked who the owner of the camel was, and when a young man from the Ansar came forward, the Prophet spoke to him about the camel’s condition. The camel had “complained” to the Prophet that it was being overworked and underfed, indicating that its owner was neglecting its needs.
The Prophet (ﷺ) then gently admonished the owner, reminding him of his duty to treat the animal with kindness and to fear Allah in his treatment of the creatures under his care. This incident highlights the Islamic principle that all beings, including animals, have rights and should be treated with compassion and justice. The Prophet’s intervention in this situation emphasizes the responsibility humans have in ensuring the well-being of the animals they possess, and it reflects the broader values of mercy and accountability in Islam.
Lessons and Application in Daily Life
From this story, several key lessons can be drawn that are relevant to our daily lives:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of kindness and mercy toward all living creatures, reminding us that they, too, are beloved creations of Allah. As stewards of the Earth, it is our responsibility to treat animals with compassion and care, recognizing their inherent worth. We should be mindful not to overburden or mistreat them, ensuring that their well-being is preserved. This approach reflects the broader Islamic values of mercy, justice, and respect for all forms of life, guiding us to act with empathy and consideration in our interactions with the natural world.
Just as the young man was gently reminded of his responsibility toward the camel, we too must acknowledge our duties toward the animals and the environment entrusted to us. This responsibility extends beyond mere care; it calls for a conscious awareness of how our actions impact all living beings and the world around us. We must be vigilant in avoiding behaviors that could harm creatures, whether through the exploitation of natural resources or through direct interaction with animals. Our stewardship requires that we use resources wisely, treat animals with compassion, and ensure that our actions contribute to the well-being of all life on Earth. This holistic approach reflects a deep understanding of our role as caretakers, guided by the principles of mercy and respect that Islam teaches.
The Prophet’s ﷺ ability to sense and respond to the camel’s distress serves as a powerful reminder for us to be attuned to the needs of all beings, including those who cannot express their suffering in words. This deep empathy should inspire us to approach our interactions with heightened awareness and compassion, ensuring that we are always attentive to the unspoken needs and struggles of others. By cultivating this sensitivity, we are encouraged to act with greater consideration and kindness, not only towards animals but also in our relationships with fellow humans, fostering a more caring and compassionate world.
In essence, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified a life of profound mercy and compassion, extending even to animals and the environment. The story of the weeping camel underscores the importance of treating all living beings with kindness and respect, reflecting our responsibility as caretakers of Allah’s creation. By adopting these values in our daily lives, we honor the Prophet’s ﷺ legacy and contribute to a more compassionate and empathetic world, where every interaction is guided by the principles of mercy, accountability, and sensitivity.
