Since my recent conversion to Islam I have been asked with a fair amount of frequency how I deal with the negative attitude that much of the Muslim world has against Animals. First let me say that while I am indeed a Muslim I am not on any religious crusade, the only ‘crusade’ I am on, ever have been on, and will remain on is the crusade for Animal and Earth Liberation. I always have had a clear agreement with myself that I would not divert for this path so long as I live.
That said, the way I deal with the typical Islamic attitude that Animals are for our use, is no different than the way I deal with this same skewed view that is held by most of america, most atheists, many anarchists, nearly all communists and capitalists. The fact is that the direct and indirect harm, exploitation, murder and oppression of Mother Earth and the Animal Nations is a human disease of cruelty. Not something inherent in any one segment of society as compared to another. Its worth bearing note that more animals die in America and Europe every year in the production of fur and for vivisection than are ever murdered in religious rituals in the Arabian peninsula. Its also worth noting that about 70% of Muslims are not of Arabic descent and do not live in countries involved in such horrific ceremonies. And its further worth noting that killing animals is not a pillar of Islam. In fact it has been said in Hadith that an incredible sinner once retrieved water from a well with the aid of a shoe and for this one act specifically, a lifetime worth of sin was forgiven, conversely in another narration, the Prophet Muhammad ( may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) explained how a very virtuous person in every other respect neglected to feed or water their cat as a result the cat died, also as a result, all the good deeds of this life did not save this person from punishment by Allah, directly because of animal cruelty.
It is not at all obligatory that one partake in any form of Animal abuse to be Muslim. If it were I would have never submitted to Islam. I am locked up with what America considers the worst terrorist threats and radical Islamists in the prison system and I have received nothing but respect from these men for my Vegan diet, and beliefs in Animal Liberation. On the contrary I have already turned one brother Vegan, and another is well on his way, Al hamdulillah! Until next time, yours in the struggle until the last cage is empty and the last Animal is free!
Abdul Haqq
