ANIMALS RIGHTS DEFENDED IN ISLAM
Animals had none to stand up for them when they were being beaten, over burdened or tortured and killed for sport. The prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, taught his followers that even animals have rights, and if anyone was cruel or inhumane to the animals in their charge, they would have to answer for it on the Day of Judgment.
He even gave the example of a woman who left a cat tied up to starve, while she prayed and fasted. Due to her willful negelect of this poor animal, she was deprived of any benefit from her worship and as a result had to go to Hell.
Another example he gave was that of another woman who was a prostitute who showed mercy to a poor dog on the road. She went down into a well to get a drink of water for the dog and saved his life. For this act of mercy and kindness, Allah forgave her and as a result, she was admitted to the Paradise. Hunting for sport without taking benefit from the meat or hides, just to kill for trophies is not permitted in Islam.
PLANTS AND TREES PROTECTEd
Flowers, trees and other plants had never in the history of humans, had such rights as came with Islam one thousand four hundred years ago. Muslims are encouraged by prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to plant trees even if they feel sure the end of the world is tomorrow. He also did not allow destruction of crops or plant life even while in battle with their enemies.
