Few days ago, I received an SMS from my Father who's in Oman (I'm in the U.S. studying). The message had news that someone has passed away!
My heart was beating fast while I continued through the message. Then I was surprised to find out it is about the death of my cousins' cat! And that my teenage cousin cried!
For seconds, feelings of surprise and relief mixed inside me that it was not the news of one of my relatives passing away. More seconds passed while I was thinking how the message frightened me for the death of a cat!
But then I remembered the story of this cat!
This cat was not one of those spoiled hairy ones. It was not the most beautiful, nor a cat raised as a hobby. This cat was only a "streets' cat." Three years ago, a bunch of heartless kids harassed it and caused a deep wound in its eye. The poor cat was suddenly unable to take care of itself because of this.
My cousin was watching this. He felt sorry for the cat and took care of it since then. The cat passed away recently in the veterinary after not being able to eat for a problem in its teeth.
Then I remembered the saying of Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be on him): "While a man was traveling, he felt very thirsty. He found a well and went down to have a drink. When he came out he found a thirsty dog. He said to himself, "This dog is as thirsty as I was." He then went back inside the well and used his shoe to bring out some water for the dog. Allah was pleased with him and forgave his sins because of he had done." [Recorded by Al-Bukhari]
So my dear cousins, may Allah be pleased with you for your kindness towards this poor and weak animal.
If this was the reward of taking care of animals in our beautiful religion, how would the reward of taking care of human beings be?
I ask Allah to give us all hearts merciful towards our Muslim brothers & sisters, all people, and all creatures.
Our beloved Prophet may Allah be pleased with him said, "Allah will show no mercy to those who do not show mercy to others"
