Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "A man saw a dog eating mud from (the severity of) thirst. So, that man took a shoe (and filled it) with water and kept on pouring the water for the dog till it quenched its thirst. So Allah approved of his deed and made him to enter Paradise."

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari demonstrates the immense virtue of showing mercy to Allah's creatures. The scholars explain that this man was not known for exceptional worship, yet this single act of compassion earned him Paradise.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that the dog's condition - reduced to eating mud due to extreme thirst - highlights the severity of its suffering. The man's use of his shoe, an unconventional vessel, shows his immediate compassion without concern for formalities.

Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this hadith establishes the permissibility of using leather vessels for water. More significantly, it shows that Allah's mercy encompasses all His creation, and serving any creature in distress is a means of drawing closer to the Creator.

The scholars note that the man's reward - entry into Paradise - demonstrates how a seemingly small act done with sincerity and compassion can outweigh many other deeds in Allah's sight, provided it stems from genuine faith.

Legal and Spiritual Implications

This narration establishes the importance of kindness to animals as an integral part of Islamic teachings. Scholars derive from this that providing water to thirsty animals is a recommended act (mustahabb) that carries great reward.

The hadith also illustrates the principle that Allah's acceptance of deeds is based on sincerity and intention rather than the apparent magnitude of the action. A simple act of mercy done purely for Allah's pleasure can become the means of eternal salvation.