Question:Is it permissible to torture, harm, or cause pain to animals that do not harm or hurt us, if they are not owned by anyone such as by imprisoning them, burning them, injuring them, or leaving them without food and water for days until they die, whether they are domesticated or wild?

Answer:In the name of Allah, such acts are not permissible, as they are a form of injustice. The oppressor is cursed in the Qur’an. Allah knows best.

Question:Your Eminence, there are narrations that encourage killing the lizard. It has also been recommended to perform ghusl (ritual purification) after killing it. We notice that many people kill it on the grounds that its presence is repulsive and frightens children and women, especially since it is often found in bathrooms. What is your opinion?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is known among the scholars that it is recommended to perform ghusl after killing the lizard, and we have endorsed this in its proper place. Allah knows best.

Question:Is it permissible to kill a cat which is in the house by poisoning it with the food due to the intimidation it causes to the children and the dirt to the house?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is permissible to do that. Allah knows best.