Contributing towards the SPCA

Question:-

Is it permissible to donate to animal organizations such as the SPCA? If yes, will it be regarded as Lillah?

Answer:-

It is recorded in the Hadith that a man was walking on the roadside when he suddenly felt very thirsty. He saw a well and lowered himself into the well where he drank water. When climbed out of the well, he found a dog panting and eating the mud around the well due to extreme thirst. He said, “Thirst has reached this dog just as thirst had reached me.” He entered the well and filled his leather sock with water. He held the sock with his mouth and climbed out of the well. He then provided water for the dog to drink. Allah Ta’ala appreciated this action and forgave him. The Sahaabah asked, “O messenger of Allah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, is there reward for us in animals too?” Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “In every living creature there is reward.” [Bukhari / Muslim]

Based on the above narration, it is indeed meritorious to donate and contribute towards the SPCA, which takes care of animals, particularly stray animals that roam the streets without any home or food. However, being Muslims we should be very careful as to how our contributions are made towards the organization. If we hand over money to them leaving the SPCA to decide as to how they want to spend the money, they could possibly purchase Haraam food and feed the animals, which is not permissible in terms of Shariah. Hence, it will be better for us to purchase Halaal pet food and donate it to the SPCA, or purchase blankets, or fulfil any of their permissible needs which they may have for the animals. By doing so, the needs of the animals will be fulfilled and you will also be at ease that your funds were not spent in Haraam ways.

حدثنا عبد الله بن يوسف أخبرنا مالك عن سمي عن أبي صالح عن أبي هريرة رضي الله تعالى عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال بينا رجل يمشي فاشتد عليه العطش فنزل بئرا فشرب منها ثم خرج فإذا هو بكلب يلهث يأكل الثرى من العطش فقال لقد بلغ هذا مثل الذي بلغ بي فملأ خفه (ثم أمسكه بغيه) ثم رقي فسقى الكلب فشكر الله له فغفر له قالوا يا رسول الله وإن لنا في البهائم أجرا قال في كل كبد رطبة أجر. (صحيح البخاري)

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 20 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1444 / 15 November 2022