Is the intent behind the Hadith: "A woman entered Paradise because of a cat she fed," that Allah will admit disbelievers and disobedient people to Paradise if they are merciful to animals?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The does not mean that whoever is kind to animals and dies in a state of polytheism will enter Paradise, for Allah has forbidden Paradise to polytheists. Faith is a condition for entering Paradise, as is mentioned in the hadith of Ibn Jud'an, whose feeding of the poor and maintaining kinship ties did not benefit him because he did not believe. As for the disobedient believer, his matter is up to Allah's will, and his mercy towards animals, seeking Allah's pleasure, will benefit him.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 112189
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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