Cattle - a Sign for Mankind

Qur'aanic Verse 40:80:

Transliteration:

80. Walakum feeha manafiAAu walitablughoo AAalayha hajatan fee sudoorikum waAAalayha waAAalaalfulki tuhmaloona

Translation:

80. And you have in them (cattle) benefits – and to satisfy by their means a need in your minds, you are carried upon them, as upon the ship.¹¹

^{Study Note:}

11. Cattle had been giving numerous benefits for mankind during the time of revelation of the Qur’aan. They continue to give numerous benefits even in this modern age. They are still used to drive carts and plough fields in villages where modern facilities have not yet reached. Generation of milk and milk products has become a big business now. Animal hides are used for making various things like belts, bags, shoes etc. Animal meat continues to be a major food item. During Hajj time animals are sacrificed in their thousands, and yet cattle species are far from being extinct. Wild animals, on the other hand, would be in danger of becoming extinct if their hunting is allowed indiscriminately. Herein is a sign, for one who ponders, of divine Hand working behind the scenes, for benefit of mankind.

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The above is an extract from yet-to-be-published Qur'aanic Studies Manzil VI.

Mohammad Shafi