<b>Guidance from the Hadiths:</b><br> 1) It is forbidden to slap the face and brand an animal on its face. This is a sin that makes the doer deserving of the threatened punishment.<br> 2) It is permissible to brand animals in any body part other than the face, as reported in the guidance of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).<br> 3) It is forbidden to torture and hurt animals.<br> Note:<br> The Hadiths illustrate how the Islamic law is merciful to animals, as it forbids torturing and hurting them. Hence, it is deduced that the Islamic law is merciful to humans with greater reason. In fact, the guidance and teachings of Islam addressed this issue quite a long time before the animal-welfare advocates.<br> <br> <br> <br> <b>Words in the Hadith:</b><br> Brand: a mark made on something.