Hadith Text & Context

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "A woman was punished on account of a cat which she held captive till it died. Hence, she entered the Hell-Fire due to (her mistreatment of) the cat. She did not feed it or give it water while she held it captive, nor did she let it out so that it may eat the things that creep on the earth." [Agreed upon]

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the immense sanctity of animal rights in Islam. The woman's punishment was severe because she violated the trust of custodianship. She confined the cat without providing sustenance, causing its death through neglect.

Scholars explain that the gravity lies in the intentional deprivation - she had the means to provide food/water or release it to find sustenance, but chose neither. This demonstrates wanton cruelty toward a creature under her control.

The ruling extends beyond cats to all domesticated animals. The Shari'ah mandates providing proper food, water, and shelter to animals in one's care. Failure constitutes a major sin when it leads to suffering or death.

Legal Rulings Derived

1. It is forbidden (haram) to confine an animal without providing necessary sustenance

2. Animal neglect that causes death is a major sin leading to Divine punishment

3. The ruling applies particularly to pets and working animals under human care

4. Mercy toward animals is an essential component of faith (iman)

Spiritual Implications

This narration demonstrates that sins against creatures can outweigh other acts of worship. The woman might have performed prayers or fasting, yet her cruelty nullified any spiritual credit.

It teaches that our treatment of vulnerable beings directly impacts our ultimate destiny. Compassion is not optional but fundamental to Islamic ethics.