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What is the stance of Islam on animals' rights?

Allah Almighty said:

{There is no moving creature on earth or a bird flying with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have missed nothing in the Record, then to their Lord they will be gathered.} [253] Surat al-An‘ām: 38.

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A woman was tormented because of a cat which she had locked up until it died, and she was thrown into Hellfire for that. She neither gave it food or drink when she locked it up nor freed it so that it would eat from the vermin of the earth." [254] Agreed upon.

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) also said: "A man saw a dog eating mud from (the severity of) thirst. So, he took his shoe (and filled it) with water and kept on pouring the water for the dog till it quenched its thirst. Allah accepted his deed and admitted him to Paradise." [255] Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim.

Has the Qur’an tackled environmental issues?

Allah Almighty said:

{Do not spread corruption on earth after it has been set aright, but call upon Him with fear and hope. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is close to those who do good.} [256] Surat al-A‘rāf: 56.

{Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what people’s hands have earned, so that He may cause them to taste the consequence of some of their deeds, so that they may return.} [257] Surat ar-Rūm: 41.

{When they leave [you], they strive to spread corruption in the land and destroy crops and livestock, whereas Allah does not like corruption.} [258] Surat al-Baqarah: 205.

{And on the earth there are neighboring [yet different] tracts of land, and gardens of grapevines, grains and palm trees – some growing in clusters from one root or standing alone. They are all irrigated with the same water, yet We cause some of them excel others in taste. Indeed, there are signs in this for people of understanding.} [259] Surat ar-Ra‘d: 4.

How does Islam maintain social rights?

Islam teaches us that social duties must be built on love, kindness, and respect for others.

It laid down the standards and criteria and defined the rights and duties concerning all relations that connect the society.

Allah Almighty said:

{Worship Allah and do not associate any partners with Him. Be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, near and distant neighbors, close friends, wayfarers, and slaves whom you own. For Allah does not like those who are arrogant, boastful.} [260] Surat an-Nisā’: 36.

{...Treat them kindly. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something which Allah has put much good in it.} [261] Surat an-Nisā’: 19.

{O you who believe, when you are told to make room in your gatherings, then make room; Allah will give you abundance. And when you are told to rise, then rise; Allah will raise in ranks those who believed from among you and those who are given knowledge. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.} [262] Surat al-Mujādilah: 11.

Why did Islam forbid adoption?

Islam encourages orphan sponsorship and urges the sponsor to treat the orphan the way he treats his children; however, it maintains the orphan's right to know his real family to protect his right in his father's inheritance and to avoid mixture of lineages.

The story of the western girl who learnt by coincidence after thirty years that she was adopted and, thus, committed suicide is the biggest proof of the inadequacy of the adoption law. Had they informed her when she was still young, they would have spared her such an end and would have given her the chance to look for her family.

Allah Almighty said:

{Do not mistreat the orphan.} [263] Surat ad-Duha: 9.

{In this life and the Hereafter. They ask you about orphans. Say, “Serving their interests is best. Should you mix your affairs with theirs, then they are your brothers. Allah knows who is dishonest and who is honest. If Allah had willed, He could have made things hard for you. Allah is indeed All-Mighty, All-Wise.”} [264] Surat al-Baqarah: 220.

{If at the time of distribution, [other] relatives, orphans, and the needy are present, give them something too, and speak to them kindly.} [265] Surat an-Nisā’: 8.