Question:
Asalam u alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu sayyedi.
This question has been teasing me for a long time and I hope to be enlightened by your knowledge insh’Allah. The question is: Is it permissable in Islam to put down an animal if it has been suffering and if it’s quality of life will be unpleasant in the future? My dream is to be a vetrinary surgeon in the future and by knowing this I wiill know if I am allowed to persue it or not.
Jazak’Allah Sayyedi
I hope to see you in Bury, England.
Answer:
as salam `alaykum wa rahmat Allahi wa barakatuh,
It is NOT permissible to take away any life without an allowed cause.
It is NOT permissible to be cruel to, or subject animals to harm or pain.
It is permissible to kill harmful animals to society or if they invade our habitat.
Killing them must be as merciful as possible to avoid suffering. Animals are nations just like humans, as mentioned in the Quran, and we must respect their rights as the creations of our Lord.
In general “mercy killing”, or euthanasia assumes that we know what is better for the creature that is suffering, whereas it is better to leave them to their Lord and not take death into our own hands. Allowing an already dying creature to die by avoiding unnatural means of life support as long as we provide basic necessities as food and water is acceptable. We must provide basic necessities and comfort to the animals we care for. We are responsible in front of Allah for their care and comfort! One of the miracles of our beloved Messenger, Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam, was that a mistreated camel spoke to him complaining about her owner and as in many other examples he (s) protected that animal’s rights.
It is permissible and desirable, if one is so inclined and suited, to pursue veterinary medicine. It is a necessary part of our society and it is important that there are good, righteous, and conscientious people in that field. Local and College rules may dictate how easy it may be to pursue that specialty and not partake in questionable activity, I believe in most Western countries one is allowed to refrain from behaviors that are against his beliefs. In the US it was estimated there are at least 500 Muslim veterinarians. Getting in touch with local righteous Muslim veterinarians will show you how it can be done. May Allah grant you success and help bring an opening of mercy from Allah through you to society.
Hesham Bazaraa
reviewed and approved by Shaykh Hisham Kabbani
