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In
the past, as a society we used to love the animals, feed them
and lived with them closely. For this reason we used to look at
all the beings with love and in a way we were more sensitive.
Some
of us loved the birds and some loved the horses.
In the homes there were those singing birds and the
aquariums in which lots of fish with many
colours used to
swim. However, time changes everything. Nowadays, due to the tight budgets and the anxiety for
earning one’s living, the interest in animals decreased.
To
love the animals means to love the nature. The love for nature
starts first by loving the plants then the animals.
The mystic, the dervish
Yunus who has put his seal on the science of Sufism and
who is among those who have
played a significant role states his startling approach : ‘’We love the created because of the
creator’’. This
is a meaningful expression and a reminder which brings out the
love for animals too.
According
to Darwin who has followed
the animals closely, even today it cannot be determined
which of the
animals have an emotional life and those who do not.
Most probably the reason why we could not make any
advancements on this subject is the researchers fearing that
they would be accused of ‘’not
being scientific’’. The
situation is no longer the same.
Nowadays, there is no problem in asking the questions ‘’Do
the animals fall in love with each other or do they mourn when
they loose someone close or do they get ashamed?’’
The latest research on animal behaviour and neurobiology states
striking evidence regarding the feelings in
the vertabrates. At least some of them are living the
feelings such as fear, hatred, joy, jealousy, anger and
affection.
On the other hand, in our daily lives we do not hesitate to
attribute some animal qualities to the human beings.
Sometimes, these
animal names such as dog, snake, donkey, bear, pig etc.
are used for swearing,
and indicating negative meanings. Also, we identify our
nature, our character with
the animals (eg.being stubborn as a donkey).
While these negative
factors are being reflected onto the children they build
up feelings of humiliation
and contempt towards the animals. If a child who hears that the
animals are used as a material of swearing, of scorn do you
think he would be able to like a dog, to love him as a living
creature and respect its right to live?
The approach of the West towards the animals is at a very
different level. For example, every Sunday in
the German WDR tv channel there is a programme on
animals. Here, information is given about the animals, how they
would develop and how they should be protected. In addition to
these, the benefits that one would get through loving animals is
shown and with lots of different visions the aesthetic aspect is
also being brought to light.
Hz. Rasul of Allah has some warnings for us on this subject:
‘’The world stands on swearing, but not on cruelty’’
‘’Even if you want to kill a dog affected with rabies
(madness, hydrophobia) do not torcher it, do not be cruel
.’’
If someone does not have any love for the animals it is
impossible for him/her to carry the other kinds of love.
Istanbul-
January 18st 2000
http://afyuksel.com
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