Showing compassion and respect to all living creatures is not a new trend.
As a vegetarian and animal rights activist, there are many (often times unsolicited) opinions that people have offered upon knowing this about me. One frequent belief that I hear is that animal rights is some sort of radical, new-age movement created by bleeding hearts with nothing better to do than protest at SeaWorld or boast about being vegan. Anyway, people have been using animals to their advantage since the dawn of mankind, right? That may be true, but prominent figures and schools of belief around the world and throughout history have acknowledged the need of animals to be treated like the sentient beings that they are---with kindness and mercy.
1. St. Francis of Assisi (1181 – 1226)
St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and nature. One of the most popular and well-known Catholic saints, he is known for preaching the belief that animals, like mankind, are also children of God. According to legend, he could converse with animals Today, animal-lovers can have their pets blessed by a priest on the Feast of St. Francis (which takes place on October 4), in commemoration of St. Francis.
2. The Quran (632)
The Islamic holy book urges its followers to show respect and kindness to animals; Muslims are only to kill animals for food or defense, not for sport, and the killing must be done in a manner that will be least painful to the animal. Additionally, animals should not be allowed to see other animals getting slaughtered so they would not become distressed. Mutilating, beating, or mistreating animals is forbidden. The Quran acknowledges that animals have needs and feelings just as people do. Muslims should treat animals like they would with fellow Muslims: “There is not an animal that lives on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but they form communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they shall all be gathered to their Lord in the end.” (Quran 6:38)
3. Hinduism (1500 BC)
Hinduism is especially notable in its respect for living creatures. According to Hinduism, there is the “Divine,” an ultimate reality and truth that every soul will eventually reach through its own path after being reborn many times through different bodies it will occupy based on one’s karma. Nature is no exception to this, and animals are considered to have souls, just as humans do. In Hinduism, animals are to be treated with compassion and never with violence. Showing kindness towards all animals is indicative of somebody reaching a higher, more god-like state.
