Assalamu-alaikum,
I just wanted to make a few comments, before moving on from this thread (theres no need to waste too much time on squirrels in the month of Ramadaan i think):
1. The following hadith:
The Prophet
said, "Five kinds of animals are mischief-doers and can be killed even in the Sanctuary: They are the rat, the scorpion, the kite, the crow and the rabid dog." (Bukhari 4:531)
--> refers to rats/ mice.
This does not give indictation (nor is there any other hadith to the effect) that it can be extrapolated to
all rodents (which would include squirrels, porcupines, beavers, guinea pigs and hamsters)
If this were so, then we should extrapolate the ruling on the 'crow' to that of
all birds as well......this is not so.
If the rat/ mouse is specifically referred to - then the ruling applies these animals.
The opinion that squirrels are pests - is just so - an opinion.
That does not need to be enforced on the rest of the ummah.
There are many among us that find these beautiful creatures of Allah (subhanawataála) as fascinating, highly intelligent, entertaining and in fact very cute!
If this scenario entailed a danger to human life - by way of the squirrel - or
any animal - spreading disease, then the life of a human out-weighs that of an animal, and so they should be rightfully put down.
2. Even in the above scenario - let us remember that we are muslims - when dealing with ALL matters of life.
Islam is a religion of tolerance, peace and mercy.
So, the methods used to kill animals (even the 5 listed in the above hadith) should be in a manner that is humane, does not cause undue suffering to the animal and does not involve a slow, torturous process.
Please realise that even though there are many ahadith informing us not to keep dogs at home (unless for security), so too are there ahadith of this nature:
Allah's Apostle
said, "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, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it. So, Allah forgave her because of that." (Bukhari 4:538)
It was a
dog that was fed and saved from thirst.
The prophet (sallahu alaihi wasalam) did not admonish the woman for saving a
dogs life. Instead she has been forgiven and promised paradise.
So, please - lets not be cruel and unkind to these animals......just because they are among the listed '5' - and this includes the pig.
They too experience pain.
They too are from among Allah (subhanawatáalas) creations.
They are regarded with a different light, due to various reasons......but this does not justify cruelty and senseless killings.
We are not murderers.
We are muslims.
If there are any in disagreeement with this - this too is fine.
(Ps. theres problems experienced with accessing pages 3/4 of this thread).
:wa: