Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Dear Burhan,

Thank you for taking out your valuable time for answering our quires.

A incident happened with me which is very vague i.e. I was driving my car at a normal speed and suddenly a cat came into my way, i derived through and killed the cat. I didn't went back to pick it or keep it in the corner or buried. As we all know cat is a very loved animal of our Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). I am feeling very guilty for that event and every time i see a cat i get reminded. Is that a sin and if yes, do i need to do something to clear it.

Please help me out in this.....

thanks one again.

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Accident killed cat

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Your Question: Is that a sin and if yes, do i need to do something to clear it.

Because the killing of the cat was purely accidental and unintentional, there would be absolutely no sin upon you, nor is there any atonement due from you. The pain the guilt that you feel in your heart at the accidental killing of the cat would more than suffice as your repentance in the Sight of Allah Subhanah.

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 6 Surah Anaam verse 54:

When those come to you who believe in Our Signs, say: "Peace be on you! Your Lord had inscribed for Himself (the rule of) Mercy. Verily if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented and amended (his conduct), Lo! He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan