Kindness to animals

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “A man suffered from intense thirst while on a journey, then he found a well. He climbed down into it and drank (water) and when he came out he saw a dog lolling its tongue and eating the moistened earth out of thirst. The man said, ‘This dog has suffered from thirst as I had.’ So he climbed down into the well, filled his shoe with water, then caught it in his mouth until he climbed up and let the dog drink it. Allah appreciated this act of his and pardoned him. Then (the Companions around him) said: “Allah’s Messenger, is there for us a reward even for (serving) such animals?” He said: “Yes, there is a reward for service to every living animal.” SG