Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "While a man was walking on a road. he became very thirsty. Then he came across a well, got down into it, drank (of its water) and then came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. The man said to himself "This dog is suffering from the same state of thirst as I did." So he went down the well (again) and filled his shoe (with water) and held it in his mouth and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him." The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He said, "(Yes) There is a reward for serving any animate (living being) ."
The Virtue of Compassion to Animals
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (6009) demonstrates the immense virtue of showing mercy to Allah's creation, even to animals. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) narrates this story to illustrate that acts of kindness are not limited to humans alone.
Scholarly Commentary on the Narrative
The man in this story was already thirsty and had quenched his own thirst. Yet when he saw the dog suffering similarly, his compassion moved him to undergo difficulty again by descending back into the well. He used his leather shoe (khuff) to carry water, showing resourcefulness in serving Allah's creation.
Allah's "thanking" the man for his deed is a metaphorical expression indicating divine acceptance and pleasure. The forgiveness granted encompasses all his sins, demonstrating the magnitude of this single act of kindness.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
The companions' question "Is there a reward for serving animals?" reveals their understanding that this story contained broader legal principles. The Prophet's affirmative response establishes that showing compassion to any living being brings divine reward.
Scholars derive from this hadith that providing water to thirsty animals is a recommended act (mustahabb), and that being merciful to animals can expiate sins. Conversely, causing unnecessary harm to animals is forbidden.
Universal Application of Mercy
The phrase "any animate (living being)" encompasses all creatures - domestic animals, wildlife, birds, and even insects. This establishes Islam's comprehensive ethic of environmental stewardship and animal welfare.
This teaching reflects the holistic nature of Islamic morality where kindness to animals is part of faith (iman), and cruelty to them may lead to divine displeasure and punishment.