Hayat ul Haiwan: An Overview of Allama Kamal-ud-Din Al-Dameeri's Work on Animals in Islamic Literature
Hayat ul Haiwan is a book written in Arabic by Allama Kamal-ud-Din Al-Dameeri Rasyees Ul Qalam. The book is a comprehensive account of animals mentioned in Islamic literature, including the Quran and Hadith. The author provides information on the physical characteristics, habits, and behavior of each animal, as well as its importance in Islamic culture and history. In this article, we will provide an overview of this remarkable work and its significance in the context of Islamic zoology.
Introduction
Allama Kamal-ud-Din Al-Dameeri was a renowned Islamic scholar and writer who lived in the early 20th century. He was a prolific author and wrote on various topics related to Islam, including Quranic exegesis, Islamic history, and literature. One of his notable works is Hayat ul Haiwan, which is considered a valuable resource on the natural history of animals in Islamic literature.
The Book
Hayat ul Haiwan is a two-volume book that covers more than 200 animals mentioned in the Quran, Hadith, and other Islamic texts. The book is written in simple and easy-to-understand language, making it accessible to a wide audience. The author provides detailed information on each animal, including its physical appearance, habitat, behavior, and importance in Islamic culture and history.
Volume 1 covers animals such as camels, cows, and sheep, while Volume 2 covers animals such as horses, dogs, and lions. The author provides information on the role of these animals in Islamic society, including their use for transportation, food, and clothing. He also discusses the symbolic and spiritual significance of these animals in Islamic culture.
Importance of Animals in Islamic Literature
Animals play a significant role in Islamic literature, including the Quran and Hadith. They are mentioned in various contexts, such as parables, metaphors, and similes. Animals are used to illustrate moral and ethical lessons and provide insight into the nature of God's creation.
In the Quran, animals are mentioned more than 200 times, and many of these references provide insights into the nature of God's creation. For example, the honeybee is mentioned in the Quran as an example of God's guidance and wisdom. The Quran states, "And thy Lord taught the bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations; then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought" (Quran 16:68-69).
Similarly, animals are mentioned in Hadith literature to illustrate moral and ethical lessons. For example, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, "A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth" (Bukhari).
The Significance of Hayat ul Haiwan
Hayat ul Haiwan is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in Islamic zoology and the natural history of animals. The book provides detailed information on animals mentioned in Islamic literature and their significance in Islamic culture and history. The author's approach is both scientific and spiritual, providing insights into the physical and metaphysical nature of animals.
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