Cats and Islam. Muezza the favourite cat of The Prophet.
To this day people often think they can see the Arabic word for M in the markings found on the heads of tabby cats. Legend has it that The Prophet stroked His cat’s head and left the mark thus marking cats as special.
The above is legend of course but to this day cats do have a special place in Islam. Prior to the birth of The Prophet Arabs worshiped a number of Gods and Idols one of which was said to be a Golden Cat and this tradition and folk memory may possibly have been passed on in some form and be one factor why the cat has been revered in Islam. Of course another reason, and by far the main reason is to do with The Prophet himself. It is well known and recorded that The Prophet Mohammed who was often depicted as the kindest of men by his words and actions loved cats. His words are that the people should treat their cats as a member of their family, and by this He meant take a good care of them.
His own favourite cat was called Muezza and the most famous story about the cat Muezza tells how as the call to prayer was given and Prophet Mohammed went to put on his robe, he found his cat sleeping on one of the sleeves. Rather than wake the cat, He cut off the sleeve and left the to cat sleep undisturbed.
Other stories tell that The Prophet was so attached to His cat that when He gave sermons he let Muezza rest on his lap. His affection for the cat was so great that He had no problems drinking from the water previously drunk by his cat and He also washed Himself in this water. Since this time the cat has had a special place in Islam.
Islam teaches Muslims the following duties in regard to cats :
1. A cat should not be sold for money or other traded goods.
2. A cat’s saliva is harmless unless the cat has visible impurities in the mouth.
3. That Muslims are free to live with cats but they must treat cats well, provide the cat with enough water and food and giving “roaming time” (Meaning freedom of movement)
Muslims have in the past been severely punished for mistreating cats, the best known story is as follows : When a woman was scratched by a cat as punishment she kept the cat locked up and failed to feed the cat until the cat died. Subsequently the woman was tortured and “put to hell.”
{ This Hadith is in Volume 3, Book 40, Number 552 }
Islam teaches Muslims to treat cats { And all creatures } well and that the cat in particular is a creature to be cherished and loved.
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