No Sin or Expiation in These Situations
Fatwa No: 380613

Question

Salaam ‘Alaykum. My sister told me that there is a dead cat outside, so I rushed to see it, but then I basically told myself in my mind that it is not something exciting for me to rush to see it, even though I was not happy upon hearing the news that there is a dead cat outside or anything like that. So I said: “Innaa li-Allaah”. When I went outside, I and others saw what I think is a dead cat whose body was turned inside out and I believe that the internal organs were scattered on the road (and we do not know who is responsible for this). During viewing this, I, at one point, said (something like): “That’s disgusting!” After that we saw a car (accidentally) driving over it and someone said (in a foreign language something along the meaning of): “He smashed it (i.e. the cat)” and lightly laughed (as I believe). I smiled upon hearing the laugh but tried to control myself not to and stopped, because this is inhumane and wrong. Then I sought the forgiveness of Allaah and repented to Him. Was I sinful for rushing to see the dead cat, the comment that I made and the smile? If so, what is the expiation that I must give? I feel really bad (for what I said and did). May Allaah pardon me, my beloved ones and all the Muslims. Jazaakum-Allaah Khayran.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Simply performing these acts does not entail sin or expiation, and it seems that you are still under the influence of whispers.

We have already advised you to endeavor to get rid of them, or else you will continue to suffer because of them, and you will consider every act as grave no matter how insignificant it is.

Hence you should work hard on repelling them and ask Allah to grant you well-being.

Allah knows best.

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