Kindness to animals
Since ancient times, people on our planet have kept pets. They bring their owners a distinct benefit, ranging from moral reassurance to tangible help. And the more gently and warmly we treat them, the more love they will bring us.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ told us of the rights and responsibilities of all creation of Allah ﷻ. One of the hadiths of the Messenger of God ﷺ narrates that a woman was sent to Hell because of a cat she locked indoors, depriving it of food and water. “A woman will go to Hell because she starved a cat to death by tying it up and not letting it out, preventing it from finding its own food.” (Narrated by Ahmad).
Another saying of the Prophet ﷺ says: “One day, a man who was walking on his way became tormented by severe thirst. He went down into a well and drank from it and when he came out, he saw in front of him a dog, sticking out its tongue and licking the wet ground from thirst. Seeing this, the man said to himself: “This dog is tormented by thirst, just as it tormented me,” after which he went down into the well again, filled his shoe with water, put it in his teeth, came out and gave the dog a drink, and Allah ﷻ rewarded him for this, forgiving his sins.” People asked, “O Messenger of God ﷺ, will we be rewarded for the good done to animals?” To which he replied: “You will be rewarded for any good done to all living beings.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).
The Almighty created a diverse animal kingdom and among them some evoke positive emotions. However, others create negative impressions. However, Islam cherishes every living creature, for they are the creation of God, whose wisdom underlies its creation, and kindness to every living creature will be rewarded on the Day of Judgment.
Pet owners are obligated to care for their pets, for by acquiring them, they become responsible for them. Before getting a pet, consider whether you can properly care for it, provide it with care and provide medical treatment if necessary. Ask yourself: “Why do I want this animal? Do I have the time and money to keep it? Are my living conditions suitable? Who will care for it if I need to leave or if I suddenly become ill or die?”
Keeping an animal requires constant monitoring of its health and, if necessary, visiting a veterinarian. Each animal should have its own personal space, which must be kept clean.
Let us show care and compassion for all living things around us!
