Is it permissible to euthanize healthy animals?

 

Nasihah (Advice): Showing kindness to animals

 

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Once a man was walking on a road when he became very thirsty. He came across a well, climbed down into it and drank from it. When he came out he saw a dog panting and licking the ground due to excessive thirst. The man said to himself, “This dog is suffering from thirst just as I did.” So he climbed down the well, filled his shoe with water and held it in his mouth as he climbed up. He then gave the dog the water to drink. Allah appreciated that deed and forgave him.” The Sahaba asked, “O Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, Is there a reward for us in being kind to animals?” He said, “Yes, there is a reward for showing kindness to any living being.” [Sahih Bukhari]

 

_______________________________

 

Question and Answer:

 

  1. A family member had to sell her house due to financial constraints and move in with her father, giving up her two dogs, which she chose to have euthanized instead of rehoming or taking them to an animal shelter. The question is whether it is permissible to euthanize healthy pets in such situations, according to Shariah and Sunnah. Kindly advise.

 

  1. A. In Islam, kindness to animals is strongly emphasized, and this is reflected in various teachings of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. To address the situation at hand, it is important to understand the principles and guidelines outlined in Shariah regarding the treatment of animals, particularly when facing circumstances that necessitate finding a new solution for a pet.

 

  1. Islamic Teachings on Kindness to Animals

 

Prophetic Guidance: Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam emphasized the importance of compassion towards animals. A notable Hadith narrates a story about a woman who was punished in the Hereafter because she confined a cat without providing it with food or water. This Hadith, found in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, highlights that keeping an animal without meeting its needs or mistreating it is considered a grave sin.

 

Hadith: “A woman was punished in Hell because of a cat which she had confined until it died. She did not give it to eat or drink while it was confined, nor did she set it free so that it might eat the insects of the earth.” (Sahih Bukhari #745)

 

Respect for Animal Life: Islam teaches that all creatures are part of Allah’s creation and must be treated with respect and kindness. This includes ensuring that animals are cared for properly and are not subjected to unnecessary harm.

 

  1. Addressing the Issue of Euthanasia

 

Euthanasia of Healthy Pets: Euthanizing a healthy animal is not permissible in Islam. The general principle is that animals should not be killed unless there is a legitimate reason, such as if the animal is suffering from a severe illness or is dangerous. Deliberately ending the life of a healthy animal without just cause is against Islamic principles.

 

  1. Finding Alternative Solutions

 

Rehoming: It is highly recommended to seek alternatives such as rehoming the pet. This could involve finding a new family or friend who can provide proper care.

 

Animal Welfare Organizations: If personal contacts are not available, reaching out to animal welfare organizations such as the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is a permissible and encouraged option. These organizations are equipped to care for animals and find them new homes.

 

Adoption and Care: Pets can also be put up for adoption through reliable animal care organizations. These organizations often have the resources and expertise to ensure that the animals are placed in suitable homes and are well cared for.

 

  1. Conclusion

 

In summary, Islam teaches kindness and respect towards animals. Euthanizing a healthy pet is not permissible, and it is crucial to seek other solutions such as rehoming or contacting animal welfare organizations. By doing so, one adheres to the ethical treatment of animals as prescribed in Islamic teachings.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

 

Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui

Mufti Taahir Hansa

 

(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) 

 

Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) 

Council of Muslim Theologians
223 Alpine Road, Overport

Durban, South Africa
Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099

Email: fatwa@jamiat.org.za
Fax : +27(0) 31 2074163
Website : www.jamiat.org.za

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