Killing snakes on the spot

Q: As firemen serving in the Civil Defense of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, we would like you to advise us, please. Sometimes, while extinguishing old houses that catch fire, we may face snakes and scorpions. What should we do? What are the invocations we should recite in such cases? Should we kill the snakes on seeing them? I appreciate your advice! May Allah reward you with the best! Peace, Mercy, and Blessings of Allah be with you!

A: You have to do your duty as required. If you see snakes, seek refuge with Allah from them three times, (Part No. 26; Page No. 203) and they will leave. Otherwise, you have to continue your work; because it is narrated in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad from `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) who said, The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade us to kill small snakes found in houses, except those with two streaks upon their backs and those with cut tails, for they wipe out eyesight and kill the babies of pregnant women while in their wombs. Whoever does not kill them, is not one of us. This means that the snakes with two streaks upon their backs and those with cut tails have to be killed due to the extreme harm they cause. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.