Cats hold a unique and cherished position within Islam, often viewed with fondness and respect. This article delves into the Islamic perspective on cats, addressing their permissibility in the home, their ritual purity, and the responsibilities Muslims have towards these animals, drawing upon Islamic texts and scholarly interpretations.
The Permissibility of Keeping Cats in Islam
In Islam, acquiring and keeping animals that are considered permissible and not owned by anyone else is allowed. This principle extends to cats. Just as one can gather firewood from unclaimed land or wood from a forest, taking in and caring for stray cats is permissible. The act of acquiring a permissible item is realized when one takes possession and provides care, provided it doesn’t belong to another person.
Therefore, from an Islamic standpoint, there is no prohibition against keeping cats that are ownerless. However, this permissibility comes with crucial conditions, primarily revolving around the ethical treatment and care of these animals.
Responsibilities Towards Cats: Care and Compassion
The permissibility of keeping cats in Islam is intrinsically linked to the responsibility of ensuring their well-being. Islamic teachings strongly emphasize kindness and compassion towards all creatures, and cats are no exception. The fundamental condition for keeping a cat is the ability and commitment to provide it with adequate food and to avoid causing it any harm or torment.
However, this permissibility is not unconditional. If a cat is demonstrably causing harm, such as carrying illness or posing a threat of disease transmission, then keeping it becomes discouraged. The Islamic principle of “La Dharar wa la Dhirar” – “there should be no harming nor reciprocating harm” – comes into play. If a person’s well-being is genuinely threatened by a cat’s presence, then avoiding harm takes precedence.
Similarly, if an individual is incapable of providing for a cat’s basic needs, particularly food, they should not confine it. Instead, the cat should be allowed to forage for itself. This principle is powerfully illustrated in a Hadith narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) spoke of a woman punished for mistreating a cat:
“A woman was punished because of a cat which she kept locked up until it died, and she entered Hell because of it, because she did not feed it or give it water when she kept it locked up, neither did she let it eat from the vermin of the earth.”
This Hadith serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences in Islam for neglecting or mistreating animals under one’s care.
The Ritual Purity (Taharah) of Cats in Islam
A significant aspect of the Islamic perspective on cats is their status as ritually pure (tahir). Unlike some other animals, cats are not considered impure (najis) in Islam. This ruling has practical implications for Muslims in their daily lives, particularly concerning food and water.
This understanding is rooted in several authentic narrations (Hadith). One such narration, found in Sunan Abi Dawood, recounts an incident involving Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet’s wife. She was praying when a woman brought her food (hareesah). A cat came and ate from the food. Aisha, after finishing her prayer, ate from the same place the cat had eaten. She then explained the permissibility by quoting the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as saying:
“They (cats) are not naajis (impure), rather they are among those who go around among you (al-tawwaafeena ‘alaykum).”
Another Hadith, also narrated by Abu Dawood, further reinforces this point. Kabshah bint Ka’b ibn Maalik, the wife of Ibn Abi Qutaadah, narrated that her father-in-law, Abu Qutaadah, came in and she poured water for him to perform ablution (wudoo’). A cat approached and drank from the water. Abu Qutaadah tilted the vessel to allow the cat to drink easily. When Kabshah expressed surprise, Abu Qutaadah reassured her, citing the Prophet’s words:
“They (cats) are not naajis (impure), rather they are among those who go around among you (al-tawwaafeena ‘alaykum).”
These narrations, considered authentic (saheeh) by scholars like al-Bukhaari and al-Daaraqutni, highlight the pure nature of cats in Islam. The phrase “al-tawwaafeena ‘alaykum” signifies that cats are like those who frequently visit and are present in households, much like servants. Their constant presence in homes and around people’s belongings is a common occurrence and thus, Islamically, they are considered pure to facilitate ease in daily life.
Implications of Purity: Food and Water
The purity of cats means that if a cat drinks from a vessel or eats from food, the remaining food or water does not become ritually impure. The owner retains the choice to consume it. If they are not averse to it, or if there is a need, they may eat or drink from it, as it remains pure unless there is a clear indication of harm. However, personal preference is respected; if someone finds it unappealing, they are free to refrain from consuming it.
Avoiding Extravagance in Cat Ownership
While Islam permits keeping and caring for cats, it also cautions against excessive indulgence and extravagance in their upkeep. Spending lavish amounts on pets, especially when many people are in need, is considered a misallocation of resources and a sign of lacking sound judgment and religious mindfulness. Islam encourages moderation and prioritizes helping those in need and utilizing time in beneficial pursuits.
The trend of excessive pet pampering, often seen in some Western cultures, where individuals spend exorbitant amounts on their pets, sometimes exceeding their spending on fellow humans, is discouraged in Islam. Muslims are encouraged to maintain a balanced perspective, recognizing the needs of both animals and humans within a framework of responsible resource allocation and compassion.
The Prohibition of Selling Cats in Islam
Finally, it is important to note that Islamic teachings prohibit the selling of cats. This ruling is based on a Hadith narrated in Saheeh Muslim, where Abu’l-Zubayr asked Jaabir about the price of dogs and cats. Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) responded that:
“The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade that.”
This prohibition on selling cats is a recognized aspect of Islamic jurisprudence.
Conclusion
In summary, Islam provides a balanced and compassionate perspective on cats. Keeping cats is permissible and even encouraged when accompanied by responsible care and kindness. Cats are considered ritually pure animals in Islam, simplifying interactions within the household. However, Islamic teachings also caution against extravagance in pet ownership and prohibit the selling of cats. Ultimately, the Islamic view encourages treating cats with respect and compassion as part of God’s creation, while maintaining a balanced and responsible approach to pet ownership.
And Allah knows best.
