What does the Quran say about animals?

Animals are "communities like you"

One verse sums up the Quran's view of animals:

Animals have their own lives, families and ways of praising Allah. The Quran says everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Him, even the birds with wings spread (Quran 24:41).

Surahs named after animals

Several chapters carry animal names: al-Baqarah (the Cow), al-An'am (Livestock), an-Nahl (the Bee), an-Naml (the Ant) and al-'Ankabut (the Spider). The Quran tells of:

• An ant warning its colony so Solomon's army wouldn't crush them (Quran 27:18).
• The hoopoe bird bringing news to Solomon (Quran 27:20–22).
• Bees receiving inspiration to build hives and make healing honey (Quran 16:68–69).
• The she-camel of the prophet Salih, which his people were told not to harm (Quran 11:64).
• The dog that stayed with the young men of the cave (Quran 18:18).

Animals as a blessing

The Quran lists livestock as gifts: for warmth, food, transport and even beauty, "when you bring them in in the evening and when you send them out to pasture" (Quran 16:5–8). Using animals for food and work is allowed, but they remain Allah's creatures, not mere objects. Hunting and fishing are allowed within limits; see Can Muslims go hunting and fishing?

Kindness to animals in the Sunnah

The Prophet ﷺ made this very practical:

• A man was forgiven for giving water to a thirsty dog, and the Prophet ﷺ said there is reward for serving any living being (Sahih al-Bukhari 2363).
• A woman was punished for locking up a cat without food or water (Sahih al-Bukhari 3482).
• Allah has prescribed excellence in everything, so even slaughter must be done with a sharp blade and without making the animal suffer (Sahih Muslim 1955).

Cats are especially loved in Muslim culture. See Can I keep a cat inside my house? Dogs have more specific rules, but kindness to them is still rewarded. See Can I keep my dog after becoming Muslim?