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Islam and Vegetarianism
IVU News - Issue 1-96

New Muslim Vegetarian/Vegan Society formed in UK

This welcome new venture was launched during the Young Indian Vegetarians 1995 annual picnic in Hyde Park. Its president, an active supporter of the National Alliance For Animals and a vegan of many years standing, has subsequently received inquiries from all over the world, including a sultan in Saudi Arabia. For further details contact:

Rafeeque Ahmad,
59 Bray Towers, 136 Adelaide Road, London NW3, UK

Islamic Duty of Compassion Towards Animals

In view of the welcome news of a Muslim Vegetarian/Vegan Society and the recent contributions from other major religions to these pages, we reprint just a few of the following Islamic teachings on the duties of Muslims towards their fellow beings (with apologies for any orthographical inaccuracies).

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"The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) was asked by his copmpanions if kindness to animals was rewarded in the life hereafter. He replied: 'Yes, there is a meritorious reward for kindness to every living creature'." (Bukhari)

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STATUS OF ANIMALS
All creatures on earth are sentient beings. "There is not an animal on earth, nor a bird that flies on its wings - but they are communities like you." (The Quran, 6:38)

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PHYSICAL INJURY
"The Holy Prophet (S) forbade the beating or the branding of animals. Once he saw a donkey branded on its face and said: 'may Allah condemn the one who branded it'." (Muslim)

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ANIMAL BAITING AND BLOOD SPORTS
"The Holy Prophet (S) forbade the setting up of animals to fight against each other." (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)

"The Holy Prophet (S) condemned those who pinion or restrain animals in any other way for the purpose of target shooting. (Al-Masburah and Al-Mujaththamah)." (Muslim)

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CAGING
"The Holy Prophet (S) said: 'It is a great sin for man to imprison those animals which are in his power'." (Muslim)

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VIVISECTION
There are numerous Islamic laws forbidding vivisection (Al-muthia) on a live animal. IBn Umar reported the Holy Prophet (S) as having condemned those who mutilate any part of an animals body while it is alive. (Ahmad and other authorities)

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(S) stands for 'Salam', meaning 'peace be upon him'.

Contributions to IVU News are welcomed. Material published does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or the policy of the International Vegetarian Union.