Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "While a man was walking he felt thirsty and went down a well and drank water from it. On coming out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said, 'This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as that of mine. So he (went down the well), filled his shoe with water, caught hold of it with his teeth and climbed up and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him." The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?" He replied, "Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate."
Distribution of Water
Sahih al-Bukhari 2363
Hadith Commentary
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari demonstrates the comprehensive mercy of Islamic teachings, extending even to animals. The man's act of drawing water for a thirsty dog, despite his own fatigue, exemplifies true compassion.
Allah's acceptance of this deed and forgiveness of the man's sins indicates that acts of charity to creatures are means of divine mercy. The Prophet's confirmation that reward exists for serving any living being establishes the Islamic principle of kindness to all creation.
Scholars note that the man used his shoe as a vessel, teaching us to utilize available means for good deeds. His climbing with the shoe in his teeth shows the value of exertion in charity. The dog's condition - panting and eating mud - illustrates severe thirst, making the relief provided particularly meritorious.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This narration establishes the Islamic ruling that showing mercy to animals is not merely recommended but rewarded by Allah. It forms the basis for animal rights in Islamic jurisprudence.
The comprehensive nature of "any animate" includes all living creatures, reinforcing the environmental ethics inherent in Islamic teachings. Providing water to thirsty animals is specifically emphasized as an act of worship.