The Significance of Some Animals mentioned in the Quran

The Holy Quran is the divine word of Allah, and its message is one of Tawhid. It has been conveyed by Angel Jibreel to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The same message has been conveyed and reinstated by all the other Prophets sent by Allah whenever, (through the passage of time), the original message has been corrupted by different generations. Allah has conveyed His message by giving examples of different people of varied generations who obeyed initially, and most of them eventually disobeyed or distorted the message, and their subsequent downfall resulting from this. By following the lessons delineated in the Quran and adhering to the sunnah defined in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad, Muslims have a set of codes and ethics that they can use to lead an upright Islamic existence. However, interspersed with this message for people, notable mention has been made of several animals to explain or narrate various Islamic precepts. The Quran unequivocally states,

Allah has created every (living) creature from water. And of them are those that move on their bellies, and of them are those that walk on two legs, and of them are those that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent. [Surah Al Nur, 24:45]

Animals have been mentioned in over 200 verses in the Quran, and six chapters are named after animals or insects. The Quran views animals as creation, which like humanity, that are dependent on Allah, and they have their purpose and are valuable to themselves and to Allah. The Quran also states that animals are conscious of Allah and praise Him in their own way, though the method is not the same or uttered in a tongue that is utilized by humanity. The Quran states,

“It is God who provided for you all manner of livestock, that you may ride on some of them and from some you may derive your food. And other uses in them are for you to satisfy your heart’s desires. It is on them, as on ships, that you make your journeys.” [Surah Ghafir, 40:47-80]

Also,

“And there is no creature on [or within] the Earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.” [Surah Al Anam, 6:38]

Also,

“And (He has created) horses, mules and donkeys, for you to ride and as an adornment. And he creates (other) things of which you have no knowledge.” [Surah Nahl, 16:8]

Allah wishes to preserve all the creatures He created, even during the time of the flood that inundated the earth during Prophet Nuh’s time. Allah states in the Quran,

“And when Our command came and the oven burst with water, We said unto Nuh, take into the Ark a pair of every species, along with your family…” [Surah Hud, 71:40]

The surahs named after animals are: Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow), Surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle), Surah Al-Nahl (The Bees), Surah Al-Naml (The Ants), Surah Al-Ankabut (The Spider), and Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant). Other animals mentioned in vary verses in the Holy Quran are apes, birds, camels, crows, dogs, donkeys, ewes, fish, flies, frogs, goats, the hoopoe bird, horses, lions, lice, locust, mosquitos, moths, mules, pigs, quails, sheep, snails, and wolves. The Surahs Named After Animals and Their Significance The Cow/Cattle The Cow, Al Baqarah: The title of this surah alludes to an argument between Moses and the Israelites over a cow they needed to sacrifice in order to reveal the murderer of a slain man (Surah Baqarah, 2:124-137). This is the longest of all the Surahs, numbering 286 ayahs or verses. Allah says,

“And (recall) when Moses said to his people, “And indeed Allah commands you to slaughter a cow.” [Surah Al Baqarah, 2:67]

Mention of cows has also been made in Surah Al Nahl,

“And indeed, for you in grazing livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from what is in their bellies – between excretion and blood – pure milk, palatable to drinkers.” (Surah Nahl, 16:66)

And in Surah (6) Anam. This Surah takes its name from verses: 136, 138 and 139, in which some superstitious beliefs of the idol worshipping Arabs, concerning the lawfulness of some cattle (an`am) and the unlawfulness of some others, has been discredited. Allah says,

“And to those who are Jews we prohibited every animal of uncloven hoof and of the cattle and of the sheep…” [Surah Anam, 6:146]

“And the cattle He has created them for you, in them there is warmth and numerous benefits, and of them you eat.” [Surah Nah, l6:5]

“… And made for you out of the hides of cattle (tents for) dwelling…..and of their wool, hair and fur furnishings and articles of convenience…” [Surah Nahl, 16:80]

Intriguing facts about Cows: Allah has endowed cows with a field of vision of almost 360 degrees, which is about twice as wide as a human’s. This panoramic vision allows them to see in all directions without moving their heads. Cows have 32 teeth, but most of them are on their lower jaw, while their upper jaw is mostly a dental pad. They are social and emotional creatures with a love for routine and have great memories. They can also sleep while standing. The Bee  The 16th chapter of the Quran, An-Nahl, which translates to “The Bee”, mentions honey bees in verse 68 and describes their lives. The chapter also compares the tough labor and versatility of bees to that of humans, and so it confers special recognition on the bees. The Quran’s portrayal of bees is unique because it attests to their basic survival instincts, as well as their unmatched perfection, which has been conferred on them by Allah. The chapter also uses bees to exemplify and guide humanity. Here are some other things the chapter says about bees:

• Hives: The chapter says that Allah inspired the bees to build hives in the mountains, trees, and other structures.
• Food: The chapter says that bees eat all types of fruits and flowers, and after imbibing this food, Allah has bestowed on them the capability to make honey.
• Migration: Allah has granted bees the innate ability to migrate.

Allah says,

“There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying color wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think. Then eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of thy Lord, made smooth (for thee).” [Surah Al Nahl, 16;69]

Today, no one can refute the transformative and beneficial properties of honey for human beings and for their health and wellbeing. Intriguing facts about Bees: Allah has bestowed bees with five eyes, two on the sides of their head and three on top. They communicate with each other through dance moves. The different classes of bees are: queen bee, male bee (drone), and worker bees. The queen bee lays 2,000 – 3,000 eggs per day. Bees has to fly 55,000 miles to produce a pound of honey. Ants In the Quran, Surah An-Naml (The Ants), ants are mentioned in verse 18. It tells the story of Prophet Sulayman’s (AS) encounter with these insects. In the verse, an ant warns his fellow ants to enter their homes so that Prophet Sulayman (AS) and his armies do not unknowingly crush them.

• Allah says, “Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, ‘O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.’” (Surah Al Nahl, 16:69)
• Smiling at the ant’s utterance, Prophet Sulayman said, “My Lord! Hold me under (Your) control that I may render thanks for the favor which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may act righteously in a manner that would please You.” (Surah al Naml, 27:19)
• The Quran also highlights Prophet Sulayman’s (AS) unique ability to communicate with animals. Allah had endowed him with the unique ability to communicate with the birds, ants, and even the powerful jinn.

Intriguing Facts about Ants: Male ants are called drones and live shorter lives than the females. Ants are as old as dinosaurs and are believed to be the smartest of insects. Some unique attributes bestowed on them by Allah is that they can hold 20 times their body weight. They also do not have ears. The Spider Allah says,

“The parable of those who take protectors other than God is that of a spider spinning a shelter. And the flimsiest of all shelters is certainly that of a spider, if only they knew.” [Surah A- Ankabut, 29:41]

The Surah has been named Ankabut (the Spider), referring mainly to verse 41 in which the idolators and their belief in false deities and idols is compared to the house of a spider, which is so weak and frail. By clinging to these false gods, they are like a person who holds onto a spider’s web, gain no benefit from that. [Ibn Kathir 29:41] Intriguing Facts about Spiders: Spiders are actually arachnids, not insects. Allah has given them many eyes, however, they can only see with one pair, the other eyes are used to detect light and shadow. Female spiders kill their mates after mating. Spiders are found in every continent of the world besides Antarctica. The Elephant Surah Fil is named after The Elephant. It is the 105th chapter of the Quran and tells the story of an army of elephants that attempted to destroy the Ka’bah in Makkah. Scholars believe the event took place before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The first verse of the chapter asks,

“Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the Army of the Elephant?” [Surah Al-Fil, 105:1]

He then continues onwards and states,

“Did He not frustrate their scheme?” [Surah Al-Fil, 105:2]

He then describes how He sent a flocks of birds to attack the army with baked clay stones, leaving them prone and dead.

“For He sent against them flocks of birds that pelted them with stones of baked clay, eaving them like chewed up straw.” [Surah Al-Fil, 105:3-5]

Abrahah Al-Ashram built a huge church in Yemen, beautifully crafted and decorated on all sides. He decided to force the Arabs to pay homage to this magnificent church just as they had performed pilgrimage to the Ka’bah in Makkah. Abrahah approached Makkah with his army that was strengthened not only with soldiers but with several powerful elephants. The Quraysh wanted to halt Abrahah’s plan to demolish and tear down the Kaaba. Allah sent birds against Abrahah’s army. These birds bore rocks (made of stone and clay) in their claws and beaks. Abrahah’s army was struck by torment, and they all perished in this hour of retribution.(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Fil, 105:1-5) The objective of this Surah is to display that truth always triumphs over falsehood. Similarly, Allah annihilated them as He is Al-Haqq, The Truth, and He will triumph over every form of deception. Intriguing Facts about Elephants: Allah has created the elephants with ears that are shaped like the maps of their places of origin, e.g., the ears of African elephants are shaped like the continent of Africa. Elephants’ teeth or tusks start growing when they are two years old and continue until they die. Elephant trunks are very strong, and they can lift thousands of pounds. Humane Treatment of Animals in Islam Kindness: The Quran says,

“We sent you not, but as mercy for all creatures.” [Surah Anbiya, 21:107]

The Quran also states that all creatures on earth, including birds, are communities like humans. The Prophet preached that people should show kindness and mercy to all living beings, including animals, and forbade cruelty towards them. Islam teaches that active kindness towards animals carries great rewards, and as humans we will be held accountable for any ill treatment or cruelty we commit towards them. Uses: As mentioned above, the Quran states that Allah provided livestock for humans to ride on, to eat, and to use in other ways, while always treating them with respect and exhibiting mercy towards them. Allah has given animals to humans to use for transport, labor, and security. Sacrifice: The Quran informs Muslims that sacrificial animals have been subjugated to feed humanity as a way of conveying gratitude to Allah. However, this sacrifice is only a mark of devotion to Allah.

“Never shall any part of their flesh nor their blood reach Allah. But rather, it is your devotion — inspired by the fear of Allah in you — that reaches Him.” [Surah Hajj, 22:37]

Hunting: In Islam it is forbidden to kill any animal except for food or to prevent it from harming people. The name of Allah must be pronounced when the hunting weapon is discharged and it causes the death of the hunted animal. If the animal is still alive, it must be slaughtered straightaway. Hunting or killing an animal for sport, without the intention for food is prohibited.

“Lawful to you is the game of the sea and its food, a provision for you and for the travelers, and the game of the land is forbidden to you so long as you are on pilgrimage, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, to Whom you shall be gathered.” [Surah Maida, 5:96]

“Lawful unto you are (all) things good and pure: and what ye have taught your trained hunting animals (to catch) in the manner directed to you by Allah: eat what they catch for you, but pronounce the name of Allah over it: and fear Allah; for Allah is swift in taking account.” [Surah Maida, 5:45]

Therefore, it is abundantly clear that through the Quran and Sunnah, Muslims are encouraged to learn lessons from the accounts of animals and other creatures mentioned in the verses. Not only this, we are enjoined to treat animals and all living creatures created by Allah with compassion, clemency, and grace. A Hadith quotes the Prophet as saying,

“A good deed done to an animal is as meritorious as a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being.” (Bukhari)