Killing a Cat Accidentally
Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question
I ended up killing a kitten because my speed was somewhat high while riding a motor bike. I did apply brakes but not hard enough, had I pressed down harder, then the bike would have slipped. I feel that if I have had tried I might’ve been able to save it from the second tire but I didn’t try because of my own carelessness. I just sort of went on with it thinking that nothing bad will happen or thinking that it’s already too late. What will happen to me on judgement day if I am not forgiven before dying? Even if I am forgiven, what about the suffering the animal had to endure while it was breathing its last?
Answer
I pray you are well.
This is indeed an unfortunate situation. First of all, you should sincerely repent and ask Allah for forgiveness. That is very important, and it will benefit you on the Day of Judgement.
Secondly, fix your riding style. Don’t be careless anymore, and don’t ride in a way that can endanger others. This may have been a lesson to prevent you from further harm later.
Lastly, adopt the Prophetic practice of being merciful and kind to others. He (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The merciful are shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth and the One above will show mercy to you.” (Tirmidhi)
Do this, and you can expect to find some mercy coming your way on the day when mercy will be most needed. May Allah envelop us all in His mercy.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.
