Overcoming Modern Jahiliyyah Through Prophetic Compassion

We have not sent except a mercy of Allah not just to Muslims, not to non-Muslims, not just to the creation, but also animals and plants and other objects in this world. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri

Introduction:

In contemporary society, humanity finds itself grappling with modern manifestations of ignorance and moral decay. The teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) serve as a timeless beacon to reform human character and restore balance to all facets of life. By reflecting upon his Seerah, believers are called to eliminate these lingering societal vices and embrace a life rooted in universal compassion.

Identifying Traces of Modern Jahiliyyah:

Historically, pre-Islamic Jahiliyyah was marked by severe ethical lapses, such as consuming dead animals and meat from skeletons without proper slaughter. Today, traces of this ignorance persist through widespread indecency, immorality, and a deep lack of spirituality. Many individuals fail to show goodness toward family members and neighbors, display disrespect to parents, and neglect affectionate care for children.

The Universal Scope of Prophetic Rahmah:

In contrast to these destructive behaviors, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was sent as a divine mercy not merely for Muslims or non-Muslims, but for all of creation. His mercy encapsulates animals, plants, and all other entities within the universe. By establishing clear rights for animals and other creations, he transformed human values and taught mankind how to interact properly with the environment.

A Lesson in Animal Welfare: The Crying Camel:

A narration reported by Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal highlights the Prophet's profound care for animal creation. Upon entering the house of an Ansari companion, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) heard crying and observed a camel moaning in distress. In an act of reverence, the camel placed its head upon the Prophet's feet, prompting him to comfort the animal with gentle hands and assure it that its problems would be resolved. The camel complained that its owner overloaded it with excessive luggage and neglected its care. The Holy Prophet ﷺ said:

مَنْ رَبُّ هَذَا الْجَمَلِ؟ فَجَاءَ شَابٌّ مِنْ الْأَنْصَارِ فَقَالَ أَنَا فَقَالَ أَلَا تَتَّقِي اللَّهَ فِي هَذِهِ الْبَهِيمَةِ الَّتِي مَلَّكَكَ اللَّهُ إِيَّاهَا فَإِنَّهُ شَكَاكَ إِلَيَّ وَزَعَمَ أَنَّكَ تُجِيعُهُ وَتُدْئِبُهُ.

“Who is the master of this Camel? Whose Camel is this? A young man from the Ansar came and said “This is mine, Apostle of Allah (ﷺ).” He said “Don’t you fear Allah about this beast which Allah has given in your possession. It has complained to me that you keep it hungry and load it heavily which fatigues it.”

1 - Ahmad bin Hanbal, al-musnad, Vol: 1, P: 205, Hadith: 1754
2 - Abu Dawood, al-sunan, Vol: 3, P: 23, Hadith: 2549

Relieving Distress and Establishing Justice:

Upon hearing the complaint, the Prophet (ﷺ) summoned the owner and confronted him regarding the animal's mistreatment. Rejecting initial offers to receive the camel as a gift, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) insisted on purchasing or securing its relief, emphasizing that his sole purpose was to relieve the creature's distress, burden, and stress. He instructed the owner to care for the camel in its old age, reminding him that the animal had faithfully served him when it was young and agile.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the Seerah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) offers a comprehensive plan for overcoming both ancient and modern forms of Jahiliyyah. His divine mission extends compassion beyond human boundaries to protect and honor every living entity in the universe. By adopting these noble teachings, society can fulfill its duty of mercy and truly embody the values of the Ummah.

Blogger: Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chishti (Research Scholar)