Islam, which is the last of what are generally accepted as the great monotheistic faiths, was born on the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century, and from there spread via the Middle East and Mediterranean to all parts of the globe. Today, around 1.5 billion people worldwide are followers of Islam. In the Holy Book of this religion, the Qur'an, which presents teachings on how to make the world a happier place for people to live in, a variety of species of animals have a number of different roles to play. This work, by studying the entire text of the Holy Qur'an, aims to present the basis in religion of issues such as the importance of animals, animal rights, and animal welfare in Islamic societies throughout the ages to the present day.