the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), nor did he state that the shepherd was liable for compensation. This is analogous to Moses’ companion making a hole in the boat so that its owners could benefit from it once patched up, for that was better for them than losing it altogether. Likewise, if a man sees his fellow Muslim’s property facing destruction in similar circumstances and salvages it as best he can, he will be rewarded for doing so, even if its value is diminished. Something diminished is better than something destroyed. How much more so when he has been entrusted with its care, as a herdsman or the like?

He was also asked:

A man tends camels or sheep, and one of the animals falls ill or suffers some mishap, bringing it to the point of death. He then slaughters the animal in the prescribed manner to spare its owner the loss. The person doing this may also be someone other than a herdsman. Is he liable for compensation or not?

He answered:

If the animal is on the point of death, the herdsman should slaughter it in the prescribed manner, taking care to do so properly, for that is better than letting it die on its own. He is not liable for compensation for doing so. And Allah knows best.