ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Animals Welfare Acts and Utilization Limits in Islam Discourse Two: Legal Studies Legal Presuppositions Exploitation is the first and the most important issue that man has dealt with in his encounter with the nature – irrespective of its being animate or inanimate – since the beginning of his life on earth. This issue holds such a sublime status in human mind, hence in his behavior, that the Holy Qur’an has accepted it on both macro and micro levels.

In a general statement, first the Holy Qur’an brings up man’s utilization of the nature as follows: ﴾It is He who created for you all that is in the earth. [^1] ﴿ Then, it goes on to specify in detail the relation between man and animals: ﴾...

and He created the cattle for you.﴿ [^2] Although these two principles denote the purposeful creation of the world of being and its creatures for humankind, the Muslim jurists are facing several important and fundamental issues in explaining the relation between man and animal and its legal status. 1. Creation of Creatures for Man Understanding the creation of creatures for man is based on clarifying in what sense the word lakum (for you) in verse 29 of Surat al-Baqara is employed.

Two possibilities are proposed in the meaning of the word lakum , which is discussed in various Islamic sources (of exegesis, principles of jurisprudence, etc.):[^3] 1.1. Utilization ( Intifa‘ ) : The intention in creating other creatures, especially animals, is for humankind to benefit from them.[^4] 2.1.

Taking Heed ( I‘tibar ) : Creation of other creatures for humankind is for human beings to take heed from them so as thereby to achieve a better and higher understanding of the Exalted God.[^5] The basis for setting forth this possibility is a saying related from the Commander of the Faithful Imam ‘Ali (A.S.) commenting on the above-mentioned verse: ﴾It is He who created for you all that is in the earth﴿… so that you think and take heed and attain God’s pleasure in His Paradise and guard yourselves against His Fire… and because of His knowledge over all things, He knows what is good for you.

Then, O children of Adam! He created for you all that is in the earth for your interest.