Skip to content
quotesby

While a man was walking along a road, he became very thirsty and found a well. He lowered himself into the well, drank, and came out. Then [he saw] a dog protruding its tongue out with thirst. The man said: 'This dog has become exhausted from thirst in the same way as I.' He lowered himself into the well again and filled his shoe with water. He gave the dog some water to drink. He thanked God, and [his sins were] forgiven. The Prophet was then asked: 'Is there a reward for us in our animals?' He said: 'There is a reward in every living thing.'

Holy Prophet Muhammad#41

SpiritualityCompassionKindnessForgivenessAnimals

About this quote

What does it mean?
Showing compassion to a thirsty dog leads to forgiveness of sins.
In plain terms
Helping an animal in need brings divine reward.
What can you take from it?
Act kindly toward all creatures.

Where it applies

  • encountering a stray animal
  • seeing an animal in distress

Putting it to work

  • provide water to animals
  • adopt rescue pets

Questions to consider

  • How do you respond when you see an animal in need?
  • What limits might prevent you from helping?

Another view

The story is symbolic; real-world outcomes differ.

More from Holy Prophet Muhammad

  1. 'What is the best type of Jihad [struggle]?' He answered: 'Speaking truth before a tyrannical ruler.'

    Permalink to quote #40
  2. Whoever killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims, shall not smell the smell of Paradise though its smell is perceived from a distance of forty years.

    Permalink to quote #42
  3. 'The whole earth has been made a mosque and pure for me.'

    Permalink to quote #39

Related quotes

  1. My true religion is Kindness.

    Tenzin GyatsoTenzin Gyatso quote #1
  2. A prostitute was forgiven by Allah, because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, an…

    Holy Prophet MuhammadHoly Prophet Muhammad quote #3
  3. I feel that the essence of spiritual practice is your attitude toward others. When you have a pure, sincere motivation, then you have right attitude toward oth…

    Tenzin Gyatso (Dalai Lama)Tenzin Gyatso (Dalai Lama) quote #5