🐈 The Sanctity of Cats in Islam: Hirrah and Their Special Place 🕌
Comprehensive Definition
In Islamic tradition, cats, or “hirrah” in Arabic, hold a special place of reverence and purity. The esteemed status of cats is underlined by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), particularly through a narration from Abū Qutādah, one of his Companions. Prophet Muhammad is said to have affirmed the cleanliness and moral propriety of cats, using water from which a cat had drunk for his ablutions and sharing vessels from which cats had eaten.
Etymology and Background
Hirrah, the Arabic word for cat, is derived from the root “h-r-r,” which relates to purity and warmth, indicating the endearing nature of these animals in the Islamic worldview. This term encapsulates the cultural and biological kinship shared between humans and cats in early Islamic societies.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While many cultures have revered cats, the unique aspect of Islamic tradition is the explicit validation of their purity, making no distinction between their religious and mundane cleanliness. Unlike some other traditions where animals might be seen as unclean, Islamic teachings posit that cats live harmoniously within human spaces, contributing to a symbiotic existence. This respect is mirrored in various Muslim-majority regions where cats are often well-cared for.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Felidae: The biological family to which cats belong.
- Muezza: As per Islamic traditions, a favourite cat of Prophet Muhammad.
- Naṭefah (fluid): Water or liquid from which a cat has drunk, deemed pure in Islamic jurisprudence.
Antonyms
- Najasah: Islamic term for impurity or uncleanliness, not attributed to cats.
- Haram: Actions or substances considered forbidden, opposite to the halal (permissible), which is not applied to cats in terms of purity.
Exciting Facts
- Islam’s second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, was known to favor cats, naming one of his beloved cats Abu Hurayrah, which means “Father of the Kitten”.
- Mashhad Cathedral in Iran also includes a significant cat culture, reflecting the broader Islamic tradition of respecting and caring for them.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “The association between the Prophet and cats underscores a principle of harmony and benevolence within Islamic doctrine.” — Dr. Leila Ahmed.
- “To cherish and tend to cats stands as an embodiment of compassion and sanctuary, central to Islamic ethos.” — Dr. Yusuf Qaradawi.
References
- Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, Book III, Chapter 10, Part 2.
- Bin Jibril, Muhammad Saed Abdul-Rahman. “The Beauty of Islam: A Special Path.”
Suggested Literature and Other Sources
- “The Complete Narrations of Cats in Islamic Tradition” by Dr. Ridha Saed Al-Qarni
- “Animals in Islamic Tradition and Muslim Cultures” by Richard Foltz
- “Prophetic Narrations and Their Implications in Understanding Purity in Islam” by Amina Wadud
Farewell from the author: “In the universe of Islam, every creature is a reflection of divine order and compassion. To understand the place of cats within this realm is to understand a facet of mercy and generosity intrinsic to the faith.”
Zainab Al-Hashmi - October 20, 2023
