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Cats in Islam: Cats as Pets, Rights, and Relationships

In Islam, cats are regarded not just as mere pets but as creatures to be cherished and respected. The teachings of Islam highlight the special status of cats as clean and beneficial animals within the household. This respect towards cats is deeply rooted in the Hadiths (sayings and actions) of the Prophet Muhammad, which contain numerous references and stories that illustrate the kindness Muslims should extend to these animals. This article explores the significance of cats in Islam, supported by relevant Hadiths and scholarly interpretations.

Historical and Religious Significance

Cats, known as “qitt” in Arabic, have been a part of Islamic culture since the 7th century. The Prophet Muhammad’s fondness for cats is well-documented, which has influenced their acceptance and status within Muslim households throughout the centuries. Cats are admired for their cleanliness and independence and are considered “the quintessential pet” by Muslims.

multiple cats of various breeds lounging and playing in a tranquil setting around an ornate mosque with traditional Islamic architecture, including a minaret, archways, and a fountain. The image symbolizes the respect and kindness towards animals in Islam, with the heading 'Cats in Islam' in elegant calligraphic font at the top, reflecting cultural and religious reverence for cats.

1. Cats’ Cleanliness

Islam places a great emphasis on cleanliness and purity. Cats are considered ritually clean animals in Islam, which is a significant reason why they are so beloved. They are allowed to enter homes and even mosques, including Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, where they freely roam and are fed by visitors.

Hadith Reference:

“They (cats) are not impure; they intermingle with you.” – Sunan Abi Dawud, 75

2. Prophet Muhammad’s Compassion for Cats

The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have great affection for cats. One of the most famous stories involves a cat named Muezza. According to tradition, Muezza was sleeping on one of the sleeves of the Prophet’s robes. When the call to prayer was heard, the Prophet needed to wear the robe to go to the mosque. Rather than disturbing Muezza, the Prophet cut off the sleeve to leave the cat undisturbed.

Hadith Reference:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) gave a sermon and said: ‘A woman entered the (Hell) Fire because of a cat which she had confined, neither giving it food nor setting it free to eat from the vermin of the earth.'” – Sahih Bukhari, 2365

3. Rights of Cats

Islam teaches that all creatures, including cats, have rights. Cats should not be sold for money or other benefits, and like any other creature, they must be treated with kindness and care. Muslims are forbidden from harming cats and must provide them with enough food, water, and attention.

Hadith Reference:

“Fear Allah regarding these animals who cannot speak their will.” – Sunan Abi Dawud, 2548

4. Cats’ Independence

Cats are admired in Islam for their cleanliness and independence. They are considered beneficial pets that can make their own way in the world. Their ability to control vermin populations by catching pests such as mice is particularly valued.

Hadith Reference:

“It is not unclean: it is one of those who go around amongst you.” – Sahih Muslim, 2234

5. Spiritual Significance

In Sufism, an Islamic mystic tradition, cats are often revered as spiritual creatures. Some Sufis believe that cats are reflective of the divine spirit, and their behavior can teach humans lessons about the importance of meditation, independence, and cleanliness.

Cats as Pets (القطط كحيوانات أليفة)

Keeping a cat as a pet is completely permissible in Islam and is actually quite encouraged due to the Prophet’s love for these animals. They are considered good companions that are clean and not harmful.

Hadith Reference in Arabic:

“دخلت امرأة النار في هرة ربطتها، فلم تطعمها ولم تدعها تأكل من خشاش الأرض” – صحيح البخاري

Compassion and Kindness (الرحمة واللطف)

The Prophet Muhammad taught his followers to show compassion to all creatures, including cats. He exemplified this by his own treatment of cats. For example, he would do without his garment rather than disturb his cat Muezza that was sleeping on his sleeve.

Hadith Reference in Arabic:

“عُذِّبت امرأة في هرة حبستها حتى ماتت؛ فدخلت فيها النار، لا هي أطعمتها وهي حبستها، ولا هي تركتها تأكل من خشاش الأرض” – صحيح البخاري

representing "Cats in Islam", featuring a serene mosque setting adorned with traditional Islamic architecture and several cats of various breeds that are common in Islamic regions


FAQs about Cats in Islam

Below are some frequently asked questions that explore the treatment and significance of cats in Islamic culture and religion, shedding light on their esteemed status and the religious doctrines that protect them.

1. Are cats considered clean in Islam?

Answer: Yes, cats are considered ritually clean in Islam. They are one of the few animals that are allowed to roam freely inside homes and even mosques. This belief stems from several Hadiths where the Prophet Muhammad described cats as not impure and noted their independence in coexisting with humans.

2. Can Muslims keep cats as pets?

Answer: Absolutely. Muslims are encouraged to keep cats as pets due to their cleanliness and because they are loved by the Prophet Muhammad. Keeping a cat as a pet is considered rewarding (‘ajr) in Islam if the owner takes good care of it, providing proper food, water, and affection.

3. What are the rules for treating cats in Islam?

Answer: Islam provides clear guidelines for treating cats:

  • They must be provided with sufficient food, water, and shelter.
  • They should not be harmed, tortured, or used for commercial gain.
  • Muslims are also discouraged from keeping them strictly indoors without allowing a degree of freedom or interaction with the outside environment.

Hadith Reference:

“A woman was punished in Hell because of a cat which she had confined until it died. She did not give it to eat or to drink when it was confined, nor did she free it to eat from the vermin of the earth.” – Sahih Bukhari, 2236

4. Did Prophet Muhammad have any pets?

Answer: Yes, Prophet Muhammad had a pet cat named Muezza. He is reported to have great affection for her, to the extent that he would do without his cloak rather than disturb her as she slept.

5. Is there any specific etiquette for dealing with cats in Islam?

Answer: Yes, Islamic teachings include specific etiquette for dealing with cats, such as:

  • Not forcing a cat to wear a collar that might strangle it.
  • Using gentle hands while petting.
  • Allowing them the freedom to roam and explore.

6. Are Muslims allowed to sell cats?

Answer: Selling cats, or any animal that benefits from having freedom, is generally discouraged in Islam. This stems from the Hadith where the Prophet Muhammad warned against earning money by selling animals for which total freedom to roam is beneficial.

Hadith Reference:

“Do not make living beings as targets.” – Muslim 1957

7. How are cats viewed differently in Islam compared to other religions?

Answer: Cats are uniquely revered in Islam compared to many other religions due to their ritually clean status and the affection shown to them by the Prophet Muhammad. In contrast, some other religions may consider cats as ordinary pets without any spiritual or ritualistic significance.

8. What should a Muslim do if they find a stray cat?

Answer: If a Muslim finds a stray cat, they should provide it with food and water, and they can take it in as a pet if they are able to do so responsibly. Providing for a stray animal is seen as a good deed in Islam and is encouraged through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

9. Can cats enter mosques?

Answer: Yes, cats are allowed to enter mosques in Islam. This is based on their clean status and the historical precedence of cats being present during the times of the Prophet Muhammad, who allowed them to enter mosques.

Conclusion

Cats hold a special place in the heart of the Islamic tradition. The Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad underscore the care and respect Muslims must show towards cats and emphasize their purity and utility. Cats are not just tolerated in Islam; they are venerated and loved. Their treatment is indicative of a broader ethical and spiritual system in Islam which advocates for compassion and mercy to all of God’s creations. This reverence for cats serves as a reminder of the compassionate spirit that is central to the Muslim way of life.

In Islam, the way one treats animals reflects their character and faithfulness to Islamic teachings. The kindness shown to cats has been exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad and is a standard all Muslims aspire to emulate in their daily lives. Through their respect and care for cats, Muslims not only adhere to religious doctrine but also promote a mercy-filled relationship with all living beings.

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