Hadith Text

A prostitute saw a dog moving around a well on a hot day and hanging out its tongue because of thirst. She drew water for it in her shoe and she was pardoned (for this act of hers).

Reference: Sahih Muslim 2245 a | The Book of Greetings

Commentary on the Meaning

This profound hadith demonstrates the vastness of Allah's mercy and how a single righteous deed can expiate major sins. The woman in question was known for immorality, yet her sincere act of compassion toward a creature in distress became the means of her divine forgiveness.

Scholars explain that the dog's suffering from extreme thirst represents any living being in genuine need. Her using her shoe - an item of personal use - shows her complete selflessness and immediate response without concern for worldly possessions.

Legal and Spiritual Implications

This narration establishes that showing mercy to animals is a means of attaining Allah's forgiveness. The jurists derive from this that providing water to thirsty animals is a recommended act of worship.

The hadith also illustrates that no sinner should despair of Allah's mercy. When a person turns to goodness with sincere intention, even after prolonged sinfulness, Allah's acceptance is ever-ready. The magnitude of her previous sins makes the redemption more remarkable.

Furthermore, scholars note that the act's acceptance despite being performed with a ritually impure item (the shoe) indicates that necessity overrides certain ritual considerations when showing compassion to creatures.

Broader Ethical Lessons

This teaching emphasizes Islam's comprehensive mercy extending to all creation. The preservation of life and alleviation of suffering are fundamental Islamic values.

It also teaches that deeds are judged by their intention and sincerity rather than the performer's background. A seemingly small act done with perfect sincerity can outweigh a lifetime of transgression in Allah's scales.

The narrative serves as eternal hope for repentant sinners and a reminder to Muslims to never underestimate any act of kindness, no matter how small it may appear.