Muslim Reader Opinions on “Does an Animal Have a Soul?”
About 4 min read
People from various religions have different points-of-view and beliefs concerning this subject. The following are feedback letters and opinions from Muslim readers concerning “Does an Animal Have a Soul?”:
- Quran does not state animals don’t have souls
- Quran implies only man has a soul
Also see:
Letters received
Following is the text of letters received.
Quran does not state animals don’t have souls
November 2002
I am writing with reference to the letter on “One Muslim’s Point of View”. He mentions there that the soul is what enables man to talk, think, acquire wisdom, recognize his Creator, and etc. and goes ahead with the liberty of saying that animals dont do any of these. I presume he makes this statement either because he has never interacted with animals or he is just being ignorant.
Animals can indeed talk though not in English or Spanish or Greek but in their own way. Ever given a stray and hugry dog a bowl of water??? Its eyes speak out for it. My cat used to come and rub itself onto me, climb on to me and divert its attention to itself when I used to pick a fight with anyone and used to go to the depression zone…..is this not thinking? And as far as the question of acquiring wisdom concers…..what is wisdom?? Is it what you learn in school in the form of numbers and alphabets? Or is learning to be loyal, understanding, and more importantly loving a better form of wisdom???
And lastly recognizing the Creator….can we see through their eyes to know whether they believe in God or not? The true Quran says that He breathed spirit into man. But is it anywhere written that animals do not possess a spirit?
Nilin
Arab EmiratesQuran implies only man has a soul
July 1998
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
My brother in humanity Ron:I greet you in the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate. This e-letter is concerning the query: “Do Animals have souls?” Even though the Quran (Muslims’ Holy Book) as well as the Hadeeth (The collection of the Sayings of the Prophet Muhammed Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) are silent regarding the matter, I will take the liberty of answering the question myself. May Allah forgive me for my ignorance. At the end, I say Allah knows best.
From the outset, it must be stated that the creation of animals, how were they created, out of what were they created and when they were created, the knowledge of which Allah has veiled from us. In other words nowhere in any of Allah’s Scriptures is the creation of Animals mentioned. However, man’s creation is mentioned and expounded upon. With that in mind, I shall proceed:
Allah declares in the Quran that he had created man from clay (Quran 6:2). He then goes on to say that He breathed into man of His Spirit (Quran 32:9). Mark these words, and mark them well! Allah says that he breathed into man-not animals. What distinguishes man from animal, man from trees, man from inanimate things is the Soul that was breathed into him by His Creator. Soul is what enables man to talk, think, acquire wisdom, recognize his Creator, and etc. Animals can’t talk. They don’t think, they use their instincts.
If we say that Animals have souls because they are alive, then can we also argue that trees have souls because they are alive! Trees are alive, aren’t they? They need oxygen, water and nutrients to stay alive. Otherwise, they would die, right? Therefore, if we say that trees have souls because they are living then we are deceiving ourselves, aren’t we? Trees do not have souls.
Animals, according to my humble opinion, do not have souls. That’s not say that Animals are worthless. Far from that! They are Allah’s creation as well. As strange as it may sound, Animals do worship Allah-but out of compulsion and not volition.
I hope the foregoing opened your eyes more wider. I do sincerely hope that it was fruitful. And in closing, ALLAH KNOWS BEST!!!
In conclusion
People have diverse views on whether or not an animal possesses a soul, according to their own religious belief.
Be honest and honorable
What do you think?
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