A Good Deed Done To An Animal
Establishing an animal shelter in the Krui area is no simple undertaking. One is confronted with and must recognize the unique challenges that are created by the socioeconomic and religious aspects of rural Sumatra.
Even the simple task of hiring staff can become a complicated process which could have negative ramifications for the employee within their community.
Lack of funding and poverty
As long as 17% of children in Sumatra remain living below the poverty line the local government will rightly not be funding any animal shelters in the near future. Poorer Sumatran family members live on less 82 cents a day. Taking care of an abandon or sick animal is beyond their means.
This leaves abandoned, sick and often starving dogs to fend for themselves in a tough unsentimental environment.
Dogs in Islamic culture
Most Muslim scholars consider dogs Najas (unclean) and not a suitable choice for a family pet. Growing up in a traditional Muslim household dogs are definately not seen as “Man’s best friend“. And even though Islam teaches its followers all forms of animal cruelty are forbidden, abuse and neglect of dogs remains systemic in rural Sumatra.
Creating positive change
Positive change will ultimately require an evolution of consciousness in the community.
We reach out to parents, educators and influencers to nurture the younger generations respect for all animals and nature.
While a man was walking on a road. he became very thirsty. Then he came across a well, got down into it, drank (of its water) and then came out.
Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst.
The man said to himself “This dog is suffering from the same state of thirst as I did.”
So he went down the well (again) and filled his shoe (with water) and held it in his mouth and watered the dog.
Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him.
The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) ! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?”
He said, “Yes there is a reward for serving any living being .“
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him)
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 2466
In-book reference : Book 46, Hadith 27
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 3, Book 43, Hadith 646