The Ethics of Compassion Toward Animals and the Virtue of Feeding Creatures in Islam

Benevolence toward animals and feeding them is one of the great gates of righteousness and a cause for attaining reward and merit from Allah Almighty. Regrettably, the phenomenon of expelling cats and being negligent in harming them has begun to spread in our societies—creatures that are not accustomed to such harsh treatment, especially under difficult climatic conditions.

A small amount of food, such as a piece of bread or a cup of yogurt, or even providing a simple shelter like a cardboard box with an old piece of cloth to protect an animal from the winter cold, may be the deed that tips the servant's scales on the Day of Resurrection. Perhaps these creatures will thank you for your deed, and through it, Allah will forgive your sin.

A prostitute was forgiven because, while passing by a dog panting near a well and nearly dying of thirst, she took off her shoe, tied it with her head-cover, and drew out some water for it. With that, she was forgiven.

This Sahih (authentic) Hadith highlights the vastness of Allah's mercy and how a simple act of compassion toward an animal was a reason for the forgiveness of major sins, which necessitates that we summon the intention of benevolence toward every living being.