Vegetarianism in Islam

Imam Marsi is himself a vegetarian and advises everyone to adopt vegetarianism.

The Koran teaches compassion and mercy. Each of its 114 chapters, except one, begins, "Allah is merciful and compassionate." The name of God used most often in the Koran is "al-Rahim," which means "the All-Compassionate." Mohammed taught to love and respect for nature, compassion for animals and condemned the needless suffering and death of other living creatures. Vegetarianism and animal rights are consistent with Islam.

COMPASSION TOWARDS ANIMALS

"The Holy Prophet Muhammad 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)

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)

PHYSICAL INJURY

"The Holy Prophet 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)

ANIMAL BAITING AND BLOOD SPORTS

"The Holy Prophet forbade the setting up of animals to fight against each other." (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)

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

CAGING

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

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 animal's body while it is alive. (Ahmad and other authorities)

Islam teaches that in Mecca, the birthplace of Mohammed, no creature can be slaughtered and that perfect harmony should exist between all living beings. Muslim pilgrims approach Mecca wearing a shroud ("ihram"). From the moment they wear this religious cloth, absolutely no killing is allowed. Mosquitos, lice, grasshoppers, and other living creatures must also be protected. If a pilgrim sees an insect on the ground, he will move to stop his comrades from accidentally stepping on it. Islam teaches respect for animals and nature.