In Islam, kindness to animals is a significant virtue, and this extends to the beloved feline. The question of whether keeping cats is permissible in Islam is one that often arises among Muslims. This article delves into the Islamic teachings to provide a clear understanding of the status of cats in Islam, drawing upon religious texts and scholarly interpretations.
From an Islamic perspective, it is permissible to keep animals that are considered pure and beneficial, provided they are treated with kindness and care. This principle absolutely applies to cats. In Islam, taking possession of things that are freely available and not owned by anyone else, like firewood from a forest, is allowed. Similarly, taking in and raising stray cats falls under this permissibility. The act of acquiring and caring for a cat, provided it belongs to no one else, is considered acceptable in Islamic teachings.
However, this permissibility comes with responsibilities. Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of animal welfare. Therefore, keeping a cat in Islam is conditional upon ensuring its well-being. This includes providing adequate food and water and ensuring the animal is not subjected to any form of mistreatment or torment. Neglecting these responsibilities is not in line with Islamic principles of compassion and justice towards all living creatures.
Islamic jurisprudence also addresses concerns regarding potential harm. If it is established that keeping cats leads to demonstrable harm, such as health risks due to illness or disease transmission, then it is advised to refrain from keeping them. This is based on the Islamic principle of “La Dharar wa la Dhirar,” meaning “there should be no harming nor reciprocating harm.” Therefore, if a cat’s presence poses a genuine threat to health or well-being, avoiding keeping one becomes a responsible and Islamically sound decision. Similarly, an individual who is unable to provide for a cat’s basic needs, particularly food, should not keep it confined. Instead, the cat should be allowed to find sustenance naturally, as highlighted in a significant Hadith.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) narrated a powerful story about a woman who was punished for her mistreatment of a cat. This Hadith, recorded in Bukhari and Muslim, recounts how a woman was condemned to Hell for locking up a cat, failing to feed it or provide it water, and not allowing it to seek food for itself. This narration serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences in Islam for neglecting the welfare of animals under one’s care.
Furthermore, cats hold a special status in Islam regarding ritual purity. Unlike some other animals, cats are considered ritually pure (tahir) in Islamic tradition. This is significant in matters of Islamic hygiene and prayer. A well-known incident illustrates this point: Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet’s wife, was once praying when food was brought to her. A cat ate from the food. After completing her prayers, Aa’ishah partook of the food from the very place where the cat had eaten. She explained that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had stated that cats are not impure. He described them as being “among those who go around among you” (al-tawwaafeena ‘alaykum), indicating their frequent presence in human households and their integration into daily life.
Another narration further emphasizes this point. Abu Qutaadah, a companion of the Prophet, once offered water for ablution (wudoo’) when a cat came to drink. He tilted the vessel to allow the cat to drink easily. When questioned about this action, Abu Qutaadah explained that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had said, “They (cats) are not impure; rather, they are among those who go around among you.” These narrations, considered authentic, highlight the clean and pure status of cats in Islam, even to the extent that water or food consumed by a cat remains ritually pure.
The phrase “those who go around among you” signifies the close proximity and frequent interaction between cats and humans. Cats naturally inhabit homes and are often found around people’s belongings and living spaces. This inherent closeness is acknowledged in Islamic rulings concerning their purity.
Consequently, if a cat drinks from a container or eats from food, it does not render the remaining food or water impure. While the owner has the discretion to refrain from consuming it if they find it unappealing, Islamic law clarifies that it remains permissible to eat or drink, as it is considered pure unless there is a clear indication of harm.
However, it is important to maintain balance and perspective. While Islam permits and even encourages kindness to animals, including cats, excessive indulgence and extravagant spending on pets are discouraged. Islam emphasizes moderation and responsible use of resources. Spending excessively on pet luxuries while neglecting the needs of impoverished people, particularly needy Muslims around the world, is viewed critically. Muslims are encouraged to prioritize beneficial and purposeful endeavors and to avoid frivolous pursuits that distract from more pressing needs and responsibilities. This perspective cautions against blindly imitating trends of lavish pet care that may be prevalent in some Western cultures, where spending on pets sometimes surpasses care for fellow human beings.
Finally, it is crucial to note an important Islamic ruling regarding cats: the selling of cats is not permissible. This prohibition is based on a clear Hadith in Sahih Muslim, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade the practice of selling cats. This ruling is consistently upheld in Islamic jurisprudence.
In conclusion, Islam provides a balanced and compassionate perspective on cats. Keeping cats is permissible and encouraged when accompanied by responsible care and kindness. Cats are considered pure animals in Islamic tradition, and their presence in homes is generally viewed positively. However, Islamic teachings also caution against excessiveness in pet ownership and emphasize the importance of prioritizing human needs and responsible resource allocation. Ultimately, the Islamic view on cats encourages compassion, responsibility, and balance in our interactions with these creatures.
