Muslims must show compassion towards animals, says sultan

Selangor's Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah emphasized the importance of compassion and responsibility towards animals for Muslim communities. During his Friday sermon at mosques across the state, he urged followers to reflect on the message of compassion towards Allah's creatures. In a Facebook post, the sultan highlighted humans' duty to protect and manage the environment, including plants, wildlife, and natural resources.

He underlined that the relationship between humans and animals must be founded on compassion and responsibility, echoing the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and Islam's emphasis on treating animals with care. However, the ruler acknowledged that there are instances where wildlife poses a threat to public safety or damages property, at which point Islam permits measures to prevent harm, aligning with the objectives of Maqasid Syariah, which prioritize the protection of life and property.

The sultan clarified that compassion towards animals and ensuring human safety are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary aspects of Islamic teachings.