Animals Not Chairs

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Do not make the backs of your animals your pulpits.” [Abu Dawood]

What this hadith means is that if you need to talk to someone and you are sitting on an animal, then get off the animal and talk. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) created animals as a means of transport and not for the purpose of reclining on. Islam enjoins great mercy to animals.

If it is forbidden to trouble animals, then, how much punishment are those people not inviting upon themselves my friends, who trouble their wives (or their parents)? Their sighs and laments will surely catch up with you one day! [Peace of Mind by Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar]