Humility in Surah Al-Hajj

Abstract

This study explores the theological, legal, economic, and educational dimensions of livestock in Sūrat al-Anʿām through a thematic and contextual analysis of its verses, addressing how the Qur’anic discourse employs the concept of livestock to correct doctrinal misconceptions and regulate social and economic practices. The research adopts an inductive-analytical approach based on tracing relevant verses, examining their meanings in light of classical exegesis, and deriving their overarching objectives. The findings demonstrate that the sūrah presents livestock as a divinely bestowed blessing and a sign of God’s power, encompassing camels, cattle, and sheep and highlighting their benefits in transportation, carrying loads, nourishment, and clothing. The study also reveals pre-Islamic distortions in prohibiting and permitting certain livestock without legitimate authority and falsely attributing such practices to God. In response, the sūrah establishes a monotheistic framework that invalidates baseless prohibitions, affirms divine sovereignty in legislation, and promotes ethical and compassionate treatment of animals, presenting their subjugation as an invitation to reflection and gratitude and illustrating the integration of spiritual and economic dimensions within the Qur’anic worldview