Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
Grief after the loss of a pet is deeply acknowledged in Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself wept during personal loss, affirming the legitimacy of sorrow. Islam encourages returning to prayer gradually, with the understanding that Allah’s mercy is vast. Prayer is not just obligation—it is healing, especially in times of emotional distress.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
Islam Acknowledges Grief and Emotional Pain
I deeply empathize with the loss of your cat. Grief is a palpable truth embraced by Islam. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) faced the heart-wrenching loss of his cherished son Ibrahim, he wept and declared:
“The eyes shed tears, the heart feels sorrow, but we do not say except what pleases our Lord.” (Al-Bukhari)
This teaches us that sorrow and tears are not symbols of weakness or doubt—they are quintessentially human.
The Value of Loving and Caring for Animals in Islam
Your love for your cat, a beloved companion entrusted by Allah, is a bond to treasure, not hide.
Islam teaches that kindness to animals is rewarded. The Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke of a woman who found forgiveness for quenching a thirsty dog’s thirst.
Your grief is a testament to the depth of this bond and the value of your love.
Why Prayer Matters Most during Times of Heartache
In moments of profound sorrow, the Shayṭan often sows whispers of despair. His goal? To twist your sadness into a rift with Allah. Remember, your most potent armor—your strongest connection—is prayer. Even when it feels burdensome, never abandon it.
Prayer is not a weight—it is your lifeline. It’s the sacred bond that unites your heart with the One who mends us. Allah is As-Salam—the Well-Spring of Peace—and in prayer, even amidst heartache, we unlock access to His profound healing. It is through prayer that we find solace and strength, even in the darkest of times.
Steps to Return to Prayer When Emotionally Overwhelmed
You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. Embrace the rhythm of five daily prayers. Stay steadfast in prayer, for it is your source of healing and renewal. The daily prayers are not just a routine, but a guide that can lead you towards healing and peace.
Allah reminds us:
{Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.} (Az-Zumar 39:53)
{Indeed, with hardship comes ease.} (Ash-Sharh 94:6)
So grieve but remain devoted to prayer. Cling tight to that frayed rope. Your pain is seen, your tears are counted, and your journey toward peace has already begun—with each prayer, every sigh, every step. You are not alone in this journey of grief.
May Allah grant you healing, ease your sorrow, and envelop your heart with His boundless mercy.
Greater insight is available in these fatwas:
- Prophet Muhammad’s Kindness to Animals
- Is It Permissible in Islam to Keep a Kitten as a Pet?
- Can Muslims Have Pets?
- Is Keeping Pet Animals in Cages Allowed?
- Can I Feed My Cat Haram Food?
Almighty Allah knows best.