“Adab” refers to norms or rules of
conduct and propriety rooted primarily in Islamic teachings. These norms govern
interactions among people; a "civilized" or "proper" person
is one who understands and observes these rules of conduct and courtesy in
accordance with Islamic guidelines.
It
appears that our treatment of livestock is often flawed. Many of our methods
for rearing, cleaning, transporting, and slaughtering them are incorrect. We
often fail to treat livestock as living beings that possess a soul and the
capacity to "feel." In the pursuit of cost reduction and higher
profits, we frequently act without proper regard for the welfare of these
animals.
Broiler
chickens are transported in small, open crates, leaving them exposed to the
cold throughout the journey. They are lined up and slaughtered by machine.
Ducks are slaughtered in full view of other ducks. Goats are kept in cramped
spaces (the "battery" system) to restrict movement and encourage
weight gain. Is all of this right? It lacks humane treatment toward animals.
In
March 2018, mass media reported that Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) officers
in Bulukumba received a stern reprimand from the Governor of South Sulawesi for
transporting a cow by dragging it behind a vehicle. The Governor stated that
the officers had violated animal welfare laws.
Indeed,
animals must be treated well so that they feel comfortable and satiated, are
able to express their natural behaviors, and are free from abuse, distress, and
fear.
Raising
Livestock is Highly Encouraged in Islam
Farming
and raising livestock are endeavors that require knowledge. The Quran, too,
reminds us of the practice of raising livestock. “And indeed, in livestock,
there is an important lesson for you. We give you to drink from the milk within
their bellies, and in them, there are many benefits for you, and from them, you
eat.” (Al-Mu’minun: 21)
“Indeed,
in livestock, there is truly a lesson for you. We give you to drink from the
pure milk within their bellies—situated between dung and blood—which is easy
for those who drink it to swallow.” (An-Nahl: 66).
The
content of Surah Al-Mu’minun, verse 21, reveals to us the vital role livestock
play in human life. Many primary livestock products—such as milk, meat, eggs,
and honey—are animal-based foods of high nutritional value that are essential
for human health. Furthermore, livestock serve as a source of daily income and
a form of savings; they provide labor for plowing agricultural land, serve as a
means of transport, and produce biogas and organic fertilizer; they can even be
kept as beloved pets.
Thus,
livestock play a significant role in ensuring the quality of human life.
Additionally, livestock are utilized in religious observances—such as the
*Qurban* (sacrifice) during Eid al-Adha, the payment of *Zakat* (obligatory
almsgiving) on livestock, and the offering of *Dam* (expiatory sacrifice)
during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Many
verses in the Quran touch upon the subject of livestock farming, and several
Surahs are even named after livestock or related animals, such as *An-Nahl*
(The Bee), *Al-An’am* (Cattle/Livestock), and *Al-Baqarah* (The Cow). Examples
of Surahs that mention livestock include those referring to cattle (QS.
Al-Baqarah: 67–71, 73; QS. Yusuf: 43), sheep (QS. Al-An’am: 143, 146; QS.
An-Nahl: 80), goats (QS. Al-An’am: 143; An-Nahl: 78; Shad: 23–24), poultry (QS.
2: 260; 3: 49; 5: 110; 6: 38; 16: 79; 23: 41; 27: 16; 67: 19), and camels (QS.
Al-An’am: 144; Al-Hajj: 27, 37; QS. Al-Ghashiyah: 17).
Recommendations
for raising goats. From Umm Hani, the Prophet said: "You should take goats
to look after, because these goats go out in the morning bringing goodness and
in the afternoon they come home bringing goodness." (HR. Ahmad)
In
the morning the goats can be milked. If it doesn't produce milk, goat dung can
provide benefits to humans, including being a fertilizer for plants. Therefore,
in the morning before the goats are led to the grazing area, the owner usually
milks them. In the afternoon after returning from grazing, these goats usually
have their tits engorged again because after grazing all day their milk is full
again. These breasts full of milk benefit their owners or entrepreneurs.
The
milk taken includes cows and camels. Cows and camels have other benefits for
humans, including their meat is for food, their skin is used for clothing, and
their fur can be used as material for making cloth. Because of its various
benefits for human interests, Islam recommends and justifies humans raising
cows or camels so that the milk can be used by humans and become a product that
fulfills the daily needs of human life.
Regarding
horses, from Sauwadah bin Rabi', the Prophet SAW said: "You (Sauwadah)
should keep horses because in their heads there is blessing and their goodness
will last until the Day of Resurrection." (HR. Thabarani and Dhiyauddin
Al-Muqaddasi). Horses, as animals possessing advantages over others, are
mentioned in several verses of the Qur’an, including Ali Imran: 14, Al-Anfal:
60, An-Nahl: 8, and Al-Hashr: 6. The functions of horses cited in these verses
include serving as mounts for charging at enemies on the battlefield,
transporting loads beyond human physical capacity, and acting as prized
livestock. Due to their versatility, horse breeding is highly encouraged in
Islam.
The
same applies to birds. “And the flesh of birds [will be available], such as
they desire” (Al-Waqi’ah: 21). Birds or poultry can be raised as livestock or
kept for commercial farming purposes. These creatures of Allah can be bred for
human benefit. Therefore, entrepreneurship in the poultry sector—particularly
raising chickens—is a business venture sanctioned by Islam. (This does not,
however, include keeping birds merely to listen to their “screams,” does it?)
“Indeed,
for you in the livestock is a lesson. We give you to drink from that which is
in their bellies, and for you therein are numerous benefits, and from them you
eat” (Al-Mu’minun: 21). This verse explains that the milk found in the udders
of livestock—derived from the nutrients within their bellies—serves as a
wholesome drink for humans. This indicates that a livestock business producing
milk for sale is a legitimate entrepreneurial endeavor open to anyone. Such a
business is sanctioned by Islam because the milk of livestock is permissible
for human consumption.
From
an Islamic perspective, livestock and the business of raising them serve,
broadly speaking, the following purposes:
1.
Livestock
serve as a sign of the power of Allah SWT. "Do they not see and reflect
that We have indeed created livestock for them—part of what Our own hands
(power) have fashioned—and that they have dominion over them?" (Ya-Sin:
71)
2.
Livestock
as a food source, providing animal protein in the form of meat, milk, and eggs.
"...and in them, they find benefits and drinks; will they not then give
thanks?" (Ya-Sin: 73)
3.
Livestock
as a source of clothing materials; their fleece or hair is harvested for
garments—for instance, the wool produced by sheep and camels. "And He
created livestock for you, from which you derive warmth and other benefits, and
some of which you eat." (An-Nahl: 5)
4.
Livestock
as mounts or means of transport, such as cattle, horses, mules, and donkeys
(Al-An'am: 142-144; An-Nahl: 7-8; and Al-Hajj: 27).
5.
Livestock
as a source of (wholesome) enjoyment, as they possess beauty in their sounds
and in their hides or coats. "And in them, there is beauty for you when
you drive them home to rest and when you lead them out to pasture."
(An-Nahl: 6)
6.
Livestock
for the act of *Qurban* (ritual sacrifice). Livestock serve as a means of
spiritual purification through *Qurban* as well as through *Zakat* (obligatory
alms), *Infaq* (spending for God's sake), and *Sadaqah* (voluntary charity).
"That they may witness the benefits provided for them and mention the name
of Allah on appointed days over the livestock He has provided for them. So eat
of them and feed the destitute and the poor." (Al-Hajj: 28)
However,
there are threats that we must pay serious attention to. A hadith narrated by
Abu Hurairah RA, from Rasulullah SAW said: "Whoever keeps a dog other than
for hunting or guarding livestock and fields/gardens, then every day the reward
for his practice will be reduced by two qirats"
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