Cruelty to animals is a moral and ethical issue that transcends borders, cultures, and belief systems. It is not simply an act of violence against defenseless creatures, but a violation of our shared responsibility as custodians of the natural world. The chaining and mistreatment of a wild animal—such as riding a lion as though it were a horse—illustrates the depths of human arrogance and disregard for the wellbeing of other sentient beings. This behavior is not only reprehensible but stands in direct opposition to core values shared by many of the world’s religions, including Islam.
Throughout history, acts of cruelty toward animals have sparked outrage, but they have also persisted in various forms, from ancient gladiatorial contests involving wild beasts to the inhumane treatment of animals in modern industries. These practices, though often justified as entertainment or tradition, reflect an unsettling aspect of human nature: a tendency to view animals as mere tools or commodities rather than living beings deserving of respect.
The Ethical Argument Against Animal Cruelty
One of the most compelling reasons to oppose cruelty to animals lies in the shared capacity for suffering that both humans and animals possess. This is a principle echoed by numerous ethical frameworks throughout history. The 18th-century philosopher Jeremy Bentham, a leading figure in the movement for animal rights, famously said, “The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?”
The idea that animals feel pain, fear, and distress as humans do has gained widespread acceptance, and modern science only strengthens this view. Studies have shown that animals, particularly those in captivity, suffer from severe psychological distress when confined or mistreated. This suffering is not only physical but emotional, with symptoms often manifesting as self-destructive behaviors such as pacing, repetitive movements, or self-harm. The ethical question then becomes clear: if animals can suffer, what moral right do humans have to inflict more suffering?
Compassion in Islam
From a religious standpoint, particularly within Islam, cruelty to animals is unequivocally condemned. The Qur’an and Hadith are rich with teachings about kindness to animals. One well-known hadith recounts the Prophet Muhammad’s praise of a man who gave water to a thirsty dog, saying that Allah forgave the man for this act of mercy. Conversely, the Prophet condemned a woman who was punished in the afterlife for imprisoning a cat without providing it food or water.
These teachings are not just abstract moral guidelines but practical injunctions for daily behavior. In Islamic tradition, animals are seen as part of the broader ummah, or community of beings, with their own purposes in creation. To mistreat them is to violate the natural order and the role that humans have as stewards of the Earth. This sentiment finds parallels in other faiths as well, such as Christianity and Hinduism, both of which have deep traditions advocating for the ethical treatment of animals.
Consequences
History is replete with examples of cruelty to animals that have shaped societies’ views on animal welfare. In Ancient Rome, the infamous gladiatorial games often involved the brutal killing of wild animals for entertainment. Lions, tigers, and other exotic beasts were brought from distant lands, chained, and forced to fight to the death for the amusement of the crowds. These spectacles, while popular at the time, left a legacy of violence that eventually led to their abolition as society evolved and the early Christian church pushed for an end to such barbaric practices.
Another historical example comes from the 19th century when bear-baiting and bull-baiting were common forms of public entertainment in Europe. Bears and bulls were chained, tormented, and attacked by dogs while crowds watched and cheered. It wasn’t until public outcry and the rise of animal welfare movements, such as the founding of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in 1824, that laws were enacted to prohibit such spectacles.
These examples demonstrate a pattern: cruelty to animals often begins as socially acceptable or even celebrated, but as human ethics evolve, such practices are condemned and eventually abolished. The chaining and riding of a lion may seem like a fringe or isolated example, but it fits into this broader historical trajectory of human exploitation of animals for personal gain or entertainment.
Today, animal cruelty takes many forms, from the illegal wildlife trade to the exploitation of animals in circuses and zoos. The practice of chaining wild animals, especially predators like lions, is particularly troubling because it represents a fundamental misunderstanding of these animals’ nature. Lions are not meant to be domesticated or forced into servitude. They are wild, majestic creatures that require vast territories to roam and behaviors that align with their natural instincts. Confining them to chains for human amusement is not just cruel—it’s a tragic misuse of their power and beauty.
Even beyond the entertainment industry, modern society still struggles with the ethical treatment of animals. Factory farming, where animals are often kept in inhumane conditions, is a widespread practice. Zoos, while sometimes framed as conservation efforts, can also be guilty of keeping animals in environments far removed from their natural habitats, leading to physical and psychological harm. These practices have sparked widespread debate and have led to calls for reform in how animals are treated across industries.
At its core, cruelty to animals reflects a deeper moral failure in human society—a failure to recognize the intrinsic value of life beyond our own species. Whether it’s chaining a lion, as in the example mentioned earlier, or engaging in more widespread forms of exploitation, the consequences are the same: unnecessary suffering inflicted on creatures who share our world.
The ethical and religious teachings that condemn such cruelty are not just abstract ideas but a call to action. Compassion for animals is not a luxury or a fringe concern; it is a reflection of our humanity, intrinsic values, and innate personality as it is a test of our moral integrity. If history teaches us anything, it is that cruelty, no matter how justified at the time, is eventually recognized for what it is—a grave injustice. It is time to recognize that the treatment of animals is not just about them; it’s about us, and what kind of world we choose to create – what kind of legacy and reputation we want to be associated with.
