Quran/Hadith & Donkeys

The Holy Quran, Hadith, and Donkey

The verse on Donkey in the Quran clearly indicates that a donkey is given as an example for someone who doesn’t apply his or knowledge:

The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah . And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

(Al Juma 62:5)

In this compilation of verses on Donkeys it is evident that it is favorably mentioned as a beast of burden:

(2) And (He has created) horses, mules and donkeys, for you to ride and as an adornment. And He creates (other) things of which you have no knowledge.
(سورة النحل, An-Nahl, Chapter #16, Verse #8)

Many people attribute a lot of false things on Donkeys in the Quran, this website clearly shows it, it is often used by some people to even abuse donkeys:

Prophet said nothing has been revealed to him regarding donkeys. Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet was asked about donkeys and he replied, “Nothing has been revealed to me regarding donkeys except this comprehensive Verse which includes everything: “So whoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a smallest ant) shall see it; And whoever, does evil equal to the weight of an atom or a smallest ant) shall see it.’ (99.7-8)

Sahih Bukhari Book 60, Hadith 487

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, ” Horses are kept for one of three purposes; for some people they are a source of reward, for some others they are a means of shelter and for some others they are a source of sins. The one for whom they are a source of reward, is he who keeps a horse for Allah’s Cause (i.e. Jihad) tying it with a long tether on a meadow or in a garden with the result that whatever it eats from the area of the meadow or the garden where it is tied will be counted as good deeds for his benefit, and if it should break its rope and jump over one or two hillocks then all its dung and its foot marks will be written as good deeds for him; and if it passes by a river and drinks water from it even though he had no intention of watering it, even then he will get the reward for its drinking. As for the man for whom horses are a source of sins, he is the one who keeps a horse for the sake of pride and pretense and showing enmity for Muslims: such a horse will be a source of sins for him. When Allah’s Apostle was asked about donkeys, he replied, “Nothing has been revealed to me about them except this unique, comprehensive Verse: “Then anyone who does an atom’s (or a small ant’s) weight of good shall see it; And anyone who does an atom’s (or a small ant’s) weight of evil, shall see it.'(101.7-8)
Sahih Bukhari Book 52, Hadith 112

But we find hadiths about donkeys which seems like revelations. Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “When you hear the crowing of cocks, ask for Allah’s Blessings for (their crowing indicates that) they have seen an angel. And when you hear the braying of donkeys, seek Refuge with Allah from satan for (their braying indicates) that they have seen a satan.”

Sahih Bukhari Book 54, Hadith 522

This website refers to lawful and unlawful meat, donkey’s meat is declared unlawful like many other animals.