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What Is the Wisdom Behind the Suffering of Animals If They Are Not Morally Accountable?

Question
If animals are not morally accountable under Islamic law and are not judged like human beings, what is the wisdom behind their experiencing pain, illness, and the agony of death? How should this be understood in light of Allah's mercy and justice?
Answer

The Suffering of Animals Does Not Contradict Allah's Mercy or Wisdom

The suffering experienced by animals does not contradict Allah's mercy or His perfect wisdom. Allah, Glorified and Exalted, is All-Wise and All-Knowing, and He does nothing in vain. The detailed wisdom behind some created beings and their suffering may be hidden from human beings, but the believer is certain that everything Allah creates and decrees is based on perfect justice, wisdom, and mercy, even if human reason cannot comprehend every aspect of it.

Does the Suffering of Animals Contradict Allah's Mercy?

The answer is: No.

A believer is certain that Allah is perfect in knowledge, wisdom, justice, and mercy, and that all of His actions are founded upon perfect wisdom, whether people understand that wisdom or not.

Allah says:

"He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned."
(Qur'an 21:23)

Therefore, not knowing the detailed wisdom behind something does not mean that no wisdom exists.

The Limits of Human Reason in Understanding Divine Decree

Among the matters whose complete wisdom may be beyond human understanding are the suffering of children, the suffering of animals, and certain aspects of Allah's universal decree.

For this reason, scholars have stated that a servant is required to submit to Allah regarding matters whose wisdom remains hidden, just as he submits concerning matters whose wisdom is apparent.

Life Is a Test

Allah created this life as a place of trial and testing. He says:

"He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deeds."
(Qur'an 67:2)

Part of this test is the existence of matters whose wisdom people may not fully understand, through which their faith and submission to Allah are tested.

Allah's Blessings Upon Animals Far Outweigh Their Suffering

When we reflect upon the animal kingdom, we find that Allah has surrounded His creatures with immense care and mercy:

  • He prepared a suitable environment for every species.
  • He provided them with sustenance.
  • He guided them to what benefits them and preserves their survival.
  • He placed within them instincts that protect and direct them.
  • He established forms of mercy and cooperation among them.

Therefore, the suffering experienced by animals is limited when compared with the countless blessings and benefits they enjoy throughout their lives.

Some Suffering Leads to Greater Benefits

Much of the suffering found among created beings serves greater purposes, prevents greater harms, or contributes to the harmony of the universal order without which life could not continue.

For this reason, scholars explained that the existence of some limited suffering does not contradict the overall wisdom behind creation.

How Should a Muslim Understand This Issue?

The correct approach is to judge what we do not know in light of what we do know about Allah's perfect attributes.

Just as we observe countless signs of precision and wisdom throughout creation, we should be certain that whatever wisdom remains hidden from us is also part of that same divine perfection, even if we cannot fully comprehend its details.

Conclusion

  • Animals genuinely experience pain.
  • Their suffering does not contradict Allah's mercy or justice.
  • Allah is perfectly wise in all His actions and decrees.
  • The fact that we do not know the wisdom behind something does not mean it has no wisdom.
  • Allah's blessings upon animals greatly outweigh the suffering they experience.
  • A believer's duty is to submit to Allah's perfect knowledge and wisdom while believing that everything He decrees has profound wisdom.

And Allah knows best.