Q&A
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What are the Prophetic sayings (hadiths) about cats and what do they indicate?
The Status of Cats in Islam and the Prophet’s Hadiths
Islam emphasizes mercy and kindness toward all living beings. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed special care for animals and guided his followers to treat them with compassion and care. Among these animals, cats are specifically mentioned due to their close coexistence with humans in homes.
Hadiths about Cats and Their Lessons
- Purity of water licked by a cat (Narration of Kubsha bint Ka’b):
The Prophet said: “It (the cat) is not impure, for it is among the creatures that circulate in your homes.”
Lesson: Cats’ saliva and the water they drink are considered pure. The Prophet explained that cats frequently enter and leave homes, and if they were impure, living with them would be difficult. - Narration of Anas ibn Malik:
A cat drank from the water the Prophet was about to use for ablution. After the cat drank, he performed ablution and said: “The cat is part of the household; it neither dirties nor makes anything impure.”
Lesson: Cats are clean, and it is permissible to touch or be near them in homes. - Punishment of the woman for harming a cat (Bukhari and Muslim):
A woman imprisoned a cat and let it die of hunger. The Prophet said: “She entered the Hellfire because she neither fed it nor gave it water, nor let it find food.”
Lesson: Harming animals is a grave sin. Muslims must show mercy and care toward them.
Lessons from the Prophet’s Hadiths
- Cats can be kept and cared for: They are pure, and it is permissible to have them at home.
- Kindness to cats is encouraged: Feeding, giving water, and avoiding harm is recommended.
- Avoid cruelty: Harming or neglecting them is a major sin.
- Position in the household: Cats are described as part of the household and companions.
Conclusion:
The Hadiths about cats highlight the importance of mercy and compassion in Islam toward animals. Cats are pure, may be kept at home, and must be treated kindly. Harming or neglecting them is a serious sin. Muslims should follow the Prophet’s guidance in showing care and kindness to these gentle creatures living among us.
