A Cosmic Chorus of Praise: Animal Devotion and Ethics in the Hadith

The portrayal of animals in the hadith literature offers a unique perspective on the spiritual status of nonhuman beings within Islamic tradition. While the Qur’an affirms that all of creation glorifies God, the hadith expands upon this theme, presenting animals as active participants in devotional acts, as believers in Muhammad’s prophethood, and as morally accountable beings in the afterlife. These themes challenge anthropocentric assumptions and invite believers to reconsider the relationship between humans and nonhuman creatures in a way that fosters affinity, humility, and ethical responsibility. Despite this, some modern and premodern interpretations dismiss the religious significance of animals in Islamic scripture, reducing their devotion to mechanical or instinctive behavior. This presentation explores the religious dimension of animals in the hadith, critically engages with contesting views that undermine this theme, and highlights its ethical impact in fostering a sense of interspecies kinship and promoting ethical attitudes toward the nonhuman other.