In Islamic tradition, cats (al-sinnūr in Arabic) hold a unique status as pure and beloved animals. Several hadiths from the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) highlight their cleanliness, gentleness, and the special care Muslims should show toward them. This article delves into the Prophet’s interactions with cats, the Islamic rulings on keeping them, and the profound lessons of compassion and mercy in Islam.
The Prophet’s Encounter with a Thirsty Cat
It is narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) once went to a place in Madinah called Buthan. He asked his companion Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) to pour water for him to perform ablution (wuḍū’). Before the Prophet could use the water, a cat approached and began to lap from the container. Observing this, the Prophet waited until the cat finished drinking and then proceeded to make ablution with the remaining water. When Anas mentioned the cat’s action to the Prophet, he replied:
“O Anas, the cat is part of the household. It does not make anything filthy nor does it make anything impure.”
This narration clearly demonstrates the Prophet’s patience, kindness, and understanding of cats’ purity.
Cats in Islam: Pure and Permissible
Cats (al-hirr) are deemed pure in Islam. Many authentic hadiths prove their cleanliness and show that it is permissible to keep and raise them as pets. Cats were especially dear to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who described them as “the roaming creatures (ṭawwāfīn and ṭawwāfāt) in the house.” He even performed ablution with water remaining after a cat had drunk from it, signifying that a cat’s leftover water remains pure.
Abu Huraira: The Companion Who Loved Cats
One of the Prophet’s companions, Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), earned his nickname—meaning “father of the kitten”—due to his strong affection for cats. He often carried a small cat in his sleeve or the fold of his robe. This deep bond with felines is reflective of the cultural acceptance and love for cats among Muslims.
Merciful Treatment of All Creatures
Islam places great emphasis on compassion toward animals. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned of dire consequences for those who mistreat them. He recounted the story of a woman who was condemned to the Hellfire because she imprisoned a cat without feeding it or allowing it to find food on its own. Conversely, he told of a woman from the Children of Israel—described as having committed major sins—who was forgiven by Allah after she gave water to a thirsty dog. Similarly, a man entered Paradise for quenching a dog’s thirst by filling his own shoe with water for the animal.
Prohibition Against Harming Animals
In line with Islamic teachings, the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade actions that would harm animals unnecessarily. He said:
“Do not cut the forelocks, manes, or tails of horses, for their tails are their means of protection, their manes provide them warmth, and goodness is tied to their forelocks.”
Such teachings underscore how rahmah (mercy) in Islam extends to all living beings.
Scientific Perspective on Cats’ Cleanliness
Modern science aligns with the Islamic perspective that cats are inherently clean:
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- Self-Grooming: Cats spend much of their day cleaning themselves. The French chemist Louis Pasteur once noted that cats are meticulous about their hygiene, reaching every part of their body when grooming.
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- Defensive Cells in Their Skin: Cats’ skin contains cells that help fend off bacteria and regulate sensitivities.
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- Unique Tongue Structure: A cat’s tongue is covered in hooked, spiny protrusions, acting like a natural brush to remove dirt and keep fur clean.
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- Avoidance of Contaminated Water: Cats generally dislike stagnant water, a potential breeding ground for germs. They instinctively protect themselves by steering clear of unclean environments.
Supporting Hadith and Observations
‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) once received a dish of harīsah (a type of porridge). While she was praying, a cat ate a morsel from the dish. After finishing her prayer, ‘Ā’ishah told the women around her to eat from that dish without hesitation. When they hesitated, she said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) declared:
“Cats are not impure; they are among those who freely roam around you (ṭawwāfīn). I have seen the Messenger of Allah perform ablution with leftover water from a cat.”
The Prophet’s Prophetic Insight
Fourteen centuries ago, the Prophet (peace be upon him) affirmed that cats are not impure and demonstrated it by performing ablution with water from which a cat had drunk. Remarkably, modern research on the antibacterial properties in cats’ saliva—particularly the lysozyme enzyme—supports this understanding of their cleanliness.
“So Glorified is Allah who taught His Messenger (peace be upon him) what he could not have known by himself. He (the Prophet) does not speak from desire; rather it is a revelation revealed to him.”(Paraphrase of Qur’an 53:3–4)
Indeed, this scientific discovery reflects the wisdom that Allah granted to His Prophet. Cats remain a favorite pet in many Muslim homes, reflecting the deep-rooted Islamic tradition of mercy, cleanliness, and respect for all of Allah’s creatures.
