The Day of Judgement for Animals.
Snake Hunters is dedicated to the promotion of native Australian flora and fauna to promote local biodiversity. The impact that humans can have on animals is devastating for our great country. As such, we hope that by promoting an understanding of animals and the consequences of harming animals, Australian Muslims can improve their relationship with our shared environment.
ANIMALS HAVE COMMUNITIES LIKE US
First it is important to understand that like we have families and our own communities and societies, animals on Earth have their own versions of a society within their species even if we don’t understand them. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah 6 Verse 38:
“There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, then unto their Lord they (all) shall be gathered”.
Though our modern day human societies predominantly reside in cities or towns in Australia, we still will come across all forms of animals. Of particular importance in Australia is that we have snakes, reptiles, insects, birds, and native mammals that could make their way into our homes, backyards and schools.
These Australian animals have their own communities and their own social rules even though humans may not yet fully understand them. Muslims need to know how to share Allah’s earth with His creation. If we do not do so properly, there can be serious consequences.
ANIMALS WILL BE THERE ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT TOO
The above verse in 6:38 speaks about a gathering of animals. This refers to animals being part of the day of judgement as well. Ibn Kathir commented on the above verse in Tafsir Ibn Kathir Vol 3 page 343 with reference to Surah 81:5 of the Qur’an: “And when the wild beasts are gathered together”. Ibn Kathir refers to Abdur Razzaq who recorded that Abu Hurairah said about Allah’s above verse:
“All the creatures will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection, the beasts, birds and all others. Allah’s justice will be so perfect, that the unhorned sheep will receive retribution from the horned sheep. Allah will then command them, “be dust!” This is when the disbeliever will say in Qur’an 78:40: “Woe to me! Would that I were dust!”
Unfortunately for people, the appearance of animals on the day of judgement makes this day much worse for us because it means we are accountable for our treatment towards animals as indicated in the below hadith:
Sunan An-Nisai 4451: It was narrated that ‘Amr bin Sharid said: “I heard Sharid say: ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: Whoever kills a small bird for no reason, it will beseech Allah on the Day of Resurrection saying: O Lord, so and so killed me for no reason, and he did not kill me for any beneficial purpose.” (Hasan).
This hadith is very powerful. On this Earth, Allah has made Muslims viceroys of the planet. We can speak to each other and have power over all creatures through our intelligence and technology. If you were to deliberately crush a lizard under your foot, it could not stop you or resist. The lizard could not even cry in pain such that you could hear it. If you were in the outback and came across a snake and killed it. You could not hear the snake call out for help.
On the day of judgement however, these animals that had no voice on Earth, will be given a voice. And the power we once had over them will be diminished and the once helpless animals will complain to the All Powerfull Allah about us. We would then have to answer to him. What will be your excuse on that day for showing cruelty or harm to an animal for no just reason.
As such it is very important that we treat native animals with mercy and kindness and not to harm them without reason.
If you would like more information about the above, contact The Snake Hunter on 0403875409
