Islam Question and Answer - Should one kill snakes and scorpions whilst praying?

Tue 7/12/1430 - 24/11/2009

» It is essential that the sacrificial animal be slaughtered by a Muslim with the intention of offering a sacrifice (udhiyah).

» Etiquette of Eid.

» It is not stipulated that fasts be observed consecutively for one who cannot find a hadiy.

» Ruling on takbeer in unison before the Eid prayer.

» What should be done if Eid coincides with Friday.

» The time for udhiyah (sacrifice).

» Guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) regarding Eid prayers.

» He forgot to fast the third day during Hajj and fasted it after he returned home.

» Ruling on Eid prayers .

» For how many people is the udhiyah sufficient?.

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Should one kill snakes and scorpions whilst praying?

If a man starts to pray, and this prayer is one of the obligatory prayers, and he sees a snake or scorpion in front of him, can he stop his prayer and kill that thing, or should he complete his prayer?

Praise be to Allaah.

Yes, he can stop his prayer and kill the snake or scorpion, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Kill the two black ones during prayer, the snake and the scorpion.”

(Narrated by the authors of Sunan and classed as saheeh by Ibn Hibbaan).

If you can kill it whilst still praying, without moving more than what is regarded as acceptable, then this is OK and the prayer is still valid.

And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and grant them peace.

Al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Iftaa, 7/31