The Prophet's Kindness to Animals
The Apostle of God's forgiveness and kindness was not confined to human beings but also encompassed animals. Once he saw a she camel that had been hobbled but was still loaded and it was evidently heavy for her although she was standing and hobbled. He said: 'Where is her owner? Tell him that he should be prepared for a suit against him on the morrow.' 69
Abd al-Rahman ibn Abdull"h said: 'We were on a journey with the Apostle of God when we saw a small bird with two chicks. So we took the two chicks and the bird came flapping its wings [in distress]. When the Apostle of God came he said: 'Who has bereaved this bird of her children? Return her children to her.' 70
He was once sitting when a pussy-cat came and slept on his sleeve. When he wanted to get up, he did not want to disturb her, so he cut off the piece of his sleeve on which she was sleeping on.
He used to say that an animal has six rights over its master: when he stops he should begin by feeding it, and if he passes by water he should offer it the chance to drink, and he should not strike it except for a good reason, and he should not make it bear more than it is able, and he should not make it walk more than it is able, and he should not sit upon it for prolonged periods while it is stationary.' 71
Notes:
69. bihar al-anwar; vol.7, chap.11, p.276.
70. akhl"q al-nab: wa "d"buh; p.75.
71. bihar al-anwar; vol. 61, chap. 8, p 210, 9ad:th 16.
Adopted from the book : "The Prophet Muhammad; a Mercy to the World" by : "Ayatullah Muhammad Sadiq al-Shirazi"
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