The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused some Muslims in the South West of violating the rights of animals, particularly Salah rams. The group alleged that some of the rams bought for sacrifice are often made to fight one another purely for entertainment. MURIC advised those involved in such practices to desist, describing the act as “wicked, sinful, and disgusting.”
This was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, by the Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The statement reads:
“Our attention has been drawn to an ugly practice that is becoming increasingly common among some Muslims in the South West. Rams meant for Salah sacrifices are sometimes led out by young Muslims (often without the knowledge of their adult owners) to engage in fights with other rams in open spaces.
“MURIC strongly condemns this practice. It is wicked, sinful, and disgusting. Muslims are expected to show kindness to animals, even those meant for sacrifice.
“While we acknowledge that the owners of such rams are usually unaware of what their children are doing, we must also understand the many disadvantages associated with this practice. It promotes violence among youth and can result in financial loss and emotional trauma for the owners.
“A video clip sent to us by a member is particularly instructive. It showed two rams brought to an open space to fight. It was an uneven match — one ram was extremely large while the other was noticeably skinny. A single blow from the bigger ram caused the instant death of the smaller one.
“Following a brief assessment conducted among our state chairmen, we concluded that this practice is virtually nonexistent in other parts of Nigeria, except in Yorubaland.
“For instance, the chairman of MURIC in Rivers State, Muhammed Ogbonda Emenike, denied the existence of such a practice in the South South. Barrister Ibrahim Chukwuma Obiahu, our chairman in Ebonyi State, categorically ruled it out in the South East.
“Our Abuja FCT chairman, Ustadh Yunus Salaudeen, insisted that such practices are completely alien in the North Central. Similarly, the chairman of MURIC in Sokoto State, Dr. Barrister Muhammad Mansur, stated that he had never seen or heard of such a thing in the North.
“This makes the practice of ram-fighting during the Salah period an exclusively South Western affair. But is it Islamic? Is it part of Shari’ah? The answer is a capital NO. The reverse is what Islam teaches. For example, Qur’an 21:107 asserts that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was sent as a mercy to all the worlds — not only to humans but also to animals, fish, amphibians, invertebrates, etc.
“Muslims are expected to treat animals with care and compassion because the Prophet was sent as a mercy to all creation. Such kindness is rewarded by Allah. For instance, a woman of questionable character was forgiven for using her sock to fetch water for a thirsty cat, while another was condemned to Jahannam (hellfire) for locking a blind cat indoors until it died of hunger (Hadith).
“Even animals have the right to life in Islam. They should not be killed for mere entertainment or treated cruelly. Thus, the concept of rights in Islam goes beyond human beings — it includes animals too.
“As creatures of Allah, animals enjoy certain rights and should not be disturbed unnecessarily. Of course, this is without prejudice to the fact that they were, from the beginning, created to serve humanity.
“Divine assignments for animals include horses for riding, camels and donkeys for carrying loads, and goats as a source of food — as explained in Qur’an 6:142: ‘And of the cattle (He produceth) some for burdens, some for food. Eat of that which Allah hath bestowed upon you.’
“The Qur’an also says, ‘He has created the cattle for you; in them there is warmth (from their wool) and numerous benefits, and of them you eat’ (Qur’an 16:5–8). It further states in 45:13, ‘He has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and the earth, all being from Him. Verily, there are signs in this for those who reflect.’
“However, man must not transgress while enjoying these benefits. There is no gainsaying the fact that making Salah rams fight is a violation of the fundamental, Allah-given rights of animals. They were created for specific purposes — and abuse is not one of them. Just as there is child abuse, there is also animal abuse.
“Muslims are expected to respect these rights. For instance, they should sharpen their knives before slaughtering the ram so that a single stroke suffices. This ensures the ram does not suffer.
“Knives should be kept out of the animal’s sight before slaughter. One ear can be used to cover the eye facing upward to calm the animal. The ram should remain still and calm before skinning.
“Salah rams and other animals should be transported with dignity. They should not be carried in ways that cause harm. Those who carry goats or chickens by holding their heads downwards should reconsider their actions.
“Would any of you enjoy being held upside down and carried over long distances? Wouldn’t you feel dizzy? Islam teaches all of this because it is a religion of peace, mercy, and kindness. These are the ethics of handling and slaughtering animals in Islam.
“We call on the few Muslims in the South West who still engage in ram fights for fun to stop the practice immediately. They must realize that cruelty to animals is a violation of both religious ethics and legal standards.
“Although the Nigerian Constitution does not explicitly address animal rights, existing laws prohibit cruelty to animals — including making them fight or subjecting them to physical abuse. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment.
“MURIC urges the National Assembly to begin the process of criminalizing animal cruelty, particularly toward domestic animals like cats, dogs, horses, cows, and donkeys. We also advise Muslim families to monitor their children, wards, and domestic aides to ensure that Salah rams are not mistreated.
“We appeal to the police, especially in the South West, to protect the rights of domestic animals — including Salah rams, chickens, and goats. Muslims who make rams fight each other should be arrested and charged with animal cruelty. We must remember: a society that tolerates cruelty to animals will struggle to eliminate crime and violence among humans. Violence breeds violence. Cruelty inspires brutality.”
