I Shed Tears For All And Sundry

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 21 August 2025 Ashk Bahte Hain Mere Har Ik Jaan Ke Liye Meri Hamdardi Nahin Sirf Insaan Ke Liye Faisal Faisalabadi (I shed tears for all and sundry / My sympathies aren't for humans only) August 19 was commemorated as World Humanitarian Day. Laudable indeed, but the question is: Is humanity confined to humans only? Shouldn't we go beyond humans and extend our humane behaviour to our mute and vulnerable friends, animals, as well? Dignity is not just a prerogative of humans. It's also an unalienable right of all creatures, big or small, created by nature. Here the issue is not getting into the eternal ethical conundrum of whether one should eat meat or not. It deals with the dignity of animals, nonchalantly devoured and destroyed by humans. Showing a humanitarian attitude and approach to all and sundry is the cardinal objective of World Humanitarian Day. An American biologist wrote for The Reader's Digest, Canada edition in 1973 that when poultry birds, cows, pigs, lambs etc. are herded into one place and led to the abattoir, they sense that they're being taken to be slaughtered. They cry and beg in their language to be left unharmed. But to no avail. Nowadays, in relatively civilised countries, poultry birds are not herded together like crammed sardines and when a bird is killed for its flesh, other birds don't get to see the gory spectacle. The same is the case with bigger animals reared for their flesh. This is what one can say ' the minimum vestige of dignity assigned to a helpless animal.' But in India and South East Asian countries, birds are cut, dressed and devoured in the presence of other crying birds waiting for their turn to be slaughtered. Not only that, the disturbing sight of hanging red-hot fried chickens at many places in India underlines the fact that we've not yet understood the basic need of respecting the fundamental dignity of other creature/s. Remember, the idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world. When we start to view certain lives as more important or worthy than others, we justify harmful actions and perpetuate systems of inequality and oppression. This mindset not only leads to mistreatment of animals but also contributes to human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and social injustices. By recognizing and respecting the worth of all lives, we can create a more compassionate and equitable world for all beings to thrive. Recently, in a swish restaurant in India, yours truly saw a very disconcerting sight. The waiter was showing the live crabs and prawns to the seemingly very affluent patrons and they were picking the juiciest ones to relish. The poor lobsters and crabs were swimming in the aquarium and the waiter was taking them out to be served for the customers. This is the sheer INDIGNITY of A LIVING BEING, whether human or an ant. Just like humans, animals are capable of feeling joy, pain, and suffering. By acknowledging this, we can cultivate a greater sense of compassion and empathy towards animals, treating them with the respect and care they deserve. Many roadside butcheries in India still display a dead animal with its skin peeled off. The very sight reeks of indignity of the slain animal. It's an eyesore as well. Mind you, it's not predominantly an issue of meat-eating. It's an issue of the ethical treatment of the animals we're so fond of eating. Are ethics applicable only to the humans who're supposed to have a higher level of intelligence? Is not ethical treatment the very basic right of even an animal? We must never forget that animals are not mere property or commodities to be bought and sold for human use, but rather they are beautiful and sentient beings who deserve love and respect. This viewpoint challenges the traditional notion of animals as objects for human exploitation and calls into question the ethics of using animals for entertainment, food, clothing, and other purposes. By recognizing the inherent value of animals and their capacity to experience emotions and pain, we can strive to treat them with the compassion and consideration they deserve. Ultimately, adopting a mindset of love and respect towards animals can lead to a more ethical and compassionate relationship between humans and the creatures we share our planet with. A nation's moral progress can be measured by how it values and cares for its animal population. Those who are compassionate and respectful towards animals are more likely to exhibit kindness and empathy towards other living beings, including humans. In this sense, the way a nation treats its animals is a reflection of its overall moral character and values. It serves as a reminder that all living creatures deserve care, respect, and consideration, regardless of their species. The way individuals view and interact with animals can serve as a reflection of their inner qualities, particularly the purity of their heart. Those who show compassion, kindness, and respect towards animals are often seen as having a genuine and caring nature. On the other hand, those who mistreat, neglect, or disregard animals may be perceived as lacking empathy and morality. Animals have a unique ability to bring out our empathy, compassion, and capacity for love. Through caring for and connecting with animals, we are able to tap into our deepest emotions and nurture a sense of empathy and understanding for all living beings. Loving an animal opens our hearts and souls to a new level of awareness and connection to the world around us, enriching our lives in ways that cannot be understated. It is through the bond we share with animals that we can experience a profound awakening of our innermost selves. Our capacity to care for and show kindness to animals is a reflection of our own humanity. When we treat animals with respect and kindness, we are demonstrating our ability to see the value and worth in all living creatures, regardless of their size or species. Our love and compassion for animals not only benefits them, but also enriches our own lives and makes us better, more compassionate individuals. When we treat animals with care and respect, we not only improve their well-being but also contribute to creating a more harmonious and compassionate world for all living beings. By practising kindness towards animals, we demonstrate empathy and consideration for creatures that are often vulnerable and voiceless. This not only benefits animals themselves but also has a positive ripple effect on human society, fostering a greater sense of empathy, understanding, and interconnectedness among all beings. Ultimately, fostering kindness towards animals helps build a more compassionate and sustainable world for both humans and non-human animals to coexist in harmony. By treating animals with kindness and respect, we not only demonstrate our capacity for understanding and empathy, but also nurture our own moral and ethical values. The way we treat animals reflects our inherent humanity and ability to display kindness and love towards all living creatures. By practising kindness towards animals, we not only enhance our sense of humanity, but also contribute to creating a more compassionate and humane world for all beings to inhabit. English intellectual poet Alexander Pope said, " He sees with equal eyes as god of all / A hero perish or a sparrow fall." If the so-called god doesn't differentiate among its creatures, why do humans treat their fellow beings so ruthlessly and unethically? Animals serve as a bridge, connecting us to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. They remind us of the importance of living in harmony with our environment and appreciating the incredible diversity of life on Earth. Through our interactions with animals, we are able to experience the magic and majesty of the natural world, reinforcing our bond with the environment and all its wonders. Ultimately, animals serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of protecting and preserving the beauty of our natural world. The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for white, or women created for men. Animals are not here solely for human exploitation or use, but rather, they exist for their own purposes and reasons. Drawing a parallel between the exploitation of animals and the oppression of marginalized groups such as Black people and women, the statement challenges us to re-examine our relationships with other beings and to treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve. It calls for a shift in our perspective and treatment of animals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their inherent worth and right to exist free from exploitation and harm. In the eyes of our furry companions, we, the humans, are their whole world - the ones who provide food, shelter, and love. It serves as a reminder to always treat animals with kindness and compassion, as they rely on us for their well-being and happiness. Whether they are pets in our homes or animals in the wild, they deserve to be treated with respect and empathy. By showing them kindness, we can foster a deep and meaningful bond with our animal friends, enriching both their lives and our own. The true worth of a human life is not determined by wealth, status, or power, but by our compassion and empathy towards those who are in need of help and support. By showing kindness and care towards the most vulnerable members of our community, we can truly demonstrate the value and humanity of our own lives. Lastly, if our conscience doesn't allow us to hurt other humans, why doesn't it egg us on with the same intensity and passion when it comes to treating the animals and honouring their dignity? After all, the soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different. While the physical forms of animals may vary greatly, their souls are ultimately the same. So, cruelty towards animals is a sign of moral degradation and indicates a lack of empathy and compassion within a nation. Conversely, treating animals with kindness and care demonstrates a society's commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting the well-being of all beings. By prioritizing the welfare of animals, a nation can truly progress morally and contribute to creating a more just and compassionate society. This reminder encourages us to cultivate empathy and compassion towards all living creatures, recognizing that they too possess consciousness, emotions, and the capacity to experience joy and suffering. By acknowledging the inherent worth and dignity of all beings, we can strive to treat them with kindness, respect, and understanding. That's the loftiest purpose to our existence. Lastly, condemning non-vegetarianism or meat eating is not the objective of this long write up. That reeks of being judgemental, even condescending. Emphasis on ethical treatment of all creatures is the sole aim of the author. ---- A much shorter version of this write up has appeared on the Edit Page of FPJ, Bombay (August 20). ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/shed-tears-sundry/d/136553 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism