For example...

For example, Imam Sadiq, the sixth Imam of the Shi‘a Muslims, has informed about the divine punishment of a woman who had fastened a cat with a rope so the cat could not move and died out of thirst (3).

A typical view among the Shi'a jurists can be found in the following passage by ‘Allamah Mohammad Taqi Ja'fari: Consideration of the whole sources of the Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) leads to the conclusion that animals must not be killed unless there is a legal permission (by God) like benefiting from them or being safe from their harm.

There are adequate reasons for prohibiting hunting animals for fun and one can argue from these reasons for prohibition of killing animals without having a permitting cause (4). Elsewhere he writes: “Hunting animals for leisure and without need is prohibited. Therefore, "if someone makes a trip for such hunting his trip will be a sinful trip" (5). The above idea is part of a broader Islamic perspective on animal life.

According to the Islamic law, there are many rights for animals that must be observed. Consideration of those rights show that not only their lives must be protected, but also the quality of their lives must be observed. For example, animals must not be bothered by forcing them to carry heavy goods or to move faster than they tolerate. Neither animals can be cursed or sworn at. It is reported that Imam Ali said: “Whoever curses an animal he himself will be cursed by God” (5).

Who is the giver of life and death? This is one of the basic questions in bioethics which can entirely influence one’s approach towards life and its treatment. If one believes that life is created by chance or by man himself, then it will lose its sanctity. Therefore, it can also be destroyed by chance or by man. But if life is a gift of God for which we are held accountable, then it is not up to us to take it away. God is the only source of life.

This is an idea on which special emphasis has been put in the Qur’an. For example, we read: Verily, it is God Who causes the seed-grain and the fruit stone (like date-stone) to split and sprout. He brings forth the living from the dead, and it is He Who brings forth the dead from the living. Such is God, then how are you deluded away from the truth? [^4] Thus, life is a gift of God, for which we are held responsible. Not only just God gives life, but also just God brings life to an end.