of water, so intense was its thirst. The man said, “By Allah, this dog has been stricken with the same thirst that afflicted me—or it has reached, through thirst, the very point I had reached.” He then went back down into the well, filled his khuff (leather sock) with water, gripped it between his teeth, and, using his hands, climbed up until he emerged. He offered the dog a drink, and when he had done so, Allah appreciated that deed, forgave him, and, because of it, admitted him to Paradise.

This confirms the Prophet’s statement: “Paradise is closer to any one of you than the strap of his sandal, and the Fire is likewise.” A small act for which Allah thanked its doer, erased his sins, and ushered him into Paradise.

When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) told this story to the Companions—who were the keenest of people for knowledge, not merely to know but to act—they asked, “Messenger of Allah, is there a reward for us in caring for animals?” He replied, “For every creature with a moist liver there is a reward.” Since this dog was one of the animals, how great, then, was the reward granted to the man who gave it water! Again they asked, “Is there a reward for us with animals?” He said, “For every creature with a moist liver there is a reward.” A moist liver depends on water; without it, it would dry up and the creature would perish.