satisfied that the animal is able to walk with the load, we will give it a rest at a reasonable place. After a while, we give the animal a rest according to our understanding, but the load is still on the animal, due to which the animal finds it very difficult to stand as well. Remember! Being cruel to animals is Haraam and an act that will lead to Hell. In many Ahadees it is prohibited to ride on them without a need:

Do not treat animals as chairs

The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated: “Travel on animals in a good manner and (when not necessary) get off them. When in the marketplace and on the streets, do not treat animals as chairs when talking to one another because many riding animals do Zikr of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ more and better than their rider.” (Jami’-ul-Hadees, vol. 1, pp. 404, Hadees 2765)

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب              صَلَّى اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic brothers! We learn from the above Hadees that animals have been created for a specific purpose and they should be used for that particular purpose. May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ soften our hearts, save us from being cruel and unjust to those who cannot speak and grant us the ability to use animals for the purpose they have been created. Remember! One who oppresses the animals may have to face its consequences in the Hereafter:

Donkey’s advice

Hazrat Abu Sulayman Daarani رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه states: “Once, I was riding on a donkey. When I hit it 2/3 times, it lifted its head, looked towards me and said, “O Abu Sulayman! There will be accountability on the Day of Judgement for hitting me. Now it’s up to you to hit me more or hit me less.” I then said, “From now on, I am never going to hit anyone.”

(Al Zawajir Aniqtiraf-ul-Kaba`ir, vol. 2, pp. 174)

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب              صَلَّى اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد