Islam Says
Significance of Honey Bees and Honey in Islam: A Divine Blessing
May 20th 2023 by Meera'n Malik
In the Islamic faith, honey bees and the sweet golden gift they produce hold great importance. Beyond their delightful taste and sticky texture, honey bees play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. Islam recognizes and emphasizes the significance of honey bees and honey, highlighting their divine creation and the numerous benefits they provide. Let us explore the profound importance of honey bees and honey in Islam, along with the recognition of their critical role by the United Nations.
The Quranic Verses and Hadith on Honey Bees and Honey:
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, holds divine guidance regarding the significance of honey bees. In Surah An-Nahl (The Bee), Verse 68-69, Allah states, "And your Lord inspired to the bee, 'Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees and [in] that which they construct. Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you].' There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed, in that is a sign for a people who give thought."
These verses highlight Allah's wisdom in creating honey bees and their remarkable abilities. The bees are guided by Allah to build their hives in different places and are directed to consume various fruits. As a result, they produce a miraculous drink, honey, which not only possesses diverse colors but also offers healing properties for humankind. This miraculous creation of honey serves as a sign for those who reflect upon Allah's creation.
The Importance of Honey Bees and Honey in Islam:
Honey bees and honey hold profound significance in the Islamic faith. Honey is considered a blessed and beneficial substance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the value of honey in a hadith, saying, "Honey is a remedy for every illness, and the Quran is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore, I recommend to you both remedies, the Quran and honey."
The hadith highlights the medicinal properties of honey, its ability to cure ailments, and its role as a natural remedy. Honey is renowned for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to soothe sore throats, alleviate coughs, boost the immune system, and aid in digestion. Additionally, honey is rich in essential nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a valuable and nourishing food source.
In conclusion, in Islam, honey bees and honey hold deep spiritual and practical significance. The Quranic verses and hadiths emphasize the divine guidance given to honey bees and the remarkable healing properties of honey. Additionally, the United Nations' recognition of World Bee Day underscores the indispensable role of honey bees in our world and the need to protect them.
#HoneyBeeBlessings
#SweetDivineNectar
#IslamicWisdomOnHoneyBees
#BeeConservation
#HoneyHealing
#IslamAndNature
#HoneyBeeLove
#DivineHoneyGift
#IslamicGuidanceOnHoney
#BeeAwareness
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Islam Says
Zoos and Islam: A Clash of Values
April 15th 2023 by Meera'n Malik
Allah says in the Quran, "And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you" (6:38). This verse reminds us that animals are not here for our exploitation but rather are a part of the natural world, just like us.
Noor Jehan, a 17-year-old elephant residing in Karachi Zoo, Pakistan, is currently in critical condition after falling into a pond. The incident occurred recently and has left Noor Jehan visibly weak, with limited movement, and propped up against the only tree inside her enclosure. Four Paws, a renowned global animal welfare organization, recommended using a crane, ropes, and belts to lift the ailing elephant right after the fall. However, no action was taken until her plight was shared on social media, and animal activists put pressure on the authorities.
She is suffering from a massive hematoma, a pool of clotted blood inside her abdomen, and intestinal issues. Her condition worsened over two and a half months, leading to partial paralysis in her hind limbs.
Despite promises from the Karachi municipal corporation and other officials to improve the zoo's facilities, the incident highlights the inability of Pakistan to provide a healthy environment for animals in captivity. Animal rights activists are calling for the closure of all zoos in the country and their conversion into rehabilitation centers for animals, shelters for stray animals, and TNVR centers. Zoos are seen as disgusting and inhumane places, where animals are confined to cages, and deprived of their natural habitat.
While some may argue that zoos are necessary for education and conservation efforts, the reality is that zoos are not educational or entertaining. They often misrepresent animal behavior, provide limited educational value, create an unnatural environment for animals, lack effective conservation efforts, and subject animals to cruel treatment. It is important to consider the ethical implications of keeping animals in captivity and to explore alternative methods for education and conservation efforts.
I implore the government of Pakistan to take immediate action to close down all zoos across the country and prohibit the licensing of private zoos. These innocent creatures deserve better than a life of captivity, and it is time for us to acknowledge that keeping them in such conditions causes nothing but suffering.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "Whoever is kind to the creatures of Allah, is kind to himself" (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim). This hadith emphasizes the importance of treating animals with kindness and compassion, as it benefits not only the animals but also the person who is showing kindness.
In light of these teachings, it is clear that keeping animals in zoos is not in line with Islamic values. Zoos often subject animals to cramped and unnatural living conditions, which goes against the kindness and respect we are commanded to show them.
Pakistan is still grappling with numerous unresolved issues that require the attention and resources of the government. Relocate the animals to a sanctuary and focus on resolving the problems faced by our citizens instead of keeping animals in inhumane conditions.
I appeal to parents and schools to refrain from taking children to zoos where the animals are often underfed, miserable, and confined in small cages. Zoos are not ethical or moral, and it is our responsibility as responsible citizens to put an end to this cruelty. We have already witnessed the success of such campaigns, as in the case of Kavaan, and we can do the same for all animals in captivity.
#ShutZoosInPakistan
#EndZooCruelty
#IslamAndAnimalRights
#NoMoreZoos
#CompassionForAllCreatures
Share Your Voice
We invite our valued readers to be part of our mission. Have a view, article, blog, or heartfelt story related to animal welfare in Pakistan? We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts, experiences, and insights with us. Together, let's create a platform where every voice matters, fostering a Pawsitive Pakistan. Email us at cdcmails@gmail.com and be a catalyst for change.