Question:

What is the ruling on animal testing for scientific purposes as we see today that they come to conclusions about the psychology of humans or different conclusions derived from these studies on animals?

Answer:

Shaikh Ibn ul-Uthaymeen rahimahullah was asked a question in regards to emblaming and experimenting on animals like rabbits, wolves, and pigeons, and snakes (in addition to the issue of) performing surgeries on animals etc.

He answered saying:

“Embalming animals for learning and gaining knowledge that benefits the servants, then there is no harm with that. Allah, the Exalted created all that is in the earth for us. Allah, the Exalted said:

هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي الأَرْضِ جَمِيعاً

He it is Who created for you all that is on earth.

[2:29]

However, it is obligatory to take the easiest means to reach this purpose of killing this animal which will be embalmed due to the statement of the Prophet sallahu alayhi wa salam:

إذا قتلتم فأحسنوا القتلة، وإذا ذبحتم فأحسنوا الذبحة

So when you kill, you must make the killing in the best manner; when you slaughter, make your slaughter in the best manner.

[Saheeh Muslim]…”

[Noor ala Darb no. 198]

So animal testing is fine inshallah if there is benefit gained for humans as it follows under the generality of the Ayah cited above.

And Allah Knows Best

Translated by

Faisal Ibn Abdul Qaadir Ibn Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan