Hirrah - Significance of Cats in Islamic Tradition
Etymology
The term Hirrah (حرّة) comes from Arabic, meaning “cat.” In Turkish, cats are referred to as “kedi.”
Hadith Reference
According to a hadith of Abū Qutādah, a Companion of the Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet said, “Cats are not impure; rather, they keep watch around us.” This particular hadith is found in Mishkāt al-Maṣābīh, Book III, Chapter 10, Part 2.
The hadith emphasizes that:
- Purification: The Prophet used water from which a cat had drunk for his ablutions, indicating the purity of cats.
- Consumption: ʿĀyishah, the Prophet’s wife, ate from a vessel from which a cat had previously eaten, further illustrating that cats are not considered impure in Islamic traditions.
Cultural Significance
Cats hold a special place in Islamic culture and are often seen as clean animals. The Prophet Muhammad’s attitude toward cats showed compassion and respect, setting an example for Muslims to treat them kindly.
Legal Rulings (Fiqh)
Islamic law (fiqh) does not consider cats to be najis (impure), reflecting the hadith’s implications. Such legal provisions are grounded in the actions and sayings (Sunnah) of the Prophet, which guide Muslims in their daily lives.
Ethics and Theology
From an ethical standpoint, cats’ treatment reflects larger themes of animal welfare in Islam. Islam promotes kindness towards animals, and the treatment of cats can be seen as a microcosm of broader Islamic ethical principles.
Books for Further Studies
- “Domestic Animals in the Hadith: An Analytical Study” by Dr. Omar Maher Abu Hammour
- “Animals in Islam” by Al-Hafiz B. A. Masri
Takeaways
- Purity: Cats are not considered impure in Islam.
- Respect and Care: Treating animals with respect, especially cats, is an integral part of Islamic teachings.
- Quotidian Rituals: Cats’ presence in Muslim households is seen positively, and they are even allowed near areas of daily rituals.
Conclusion
Through the hadith reported by Abū Qutādah, it is clear that cats are held in high regard in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad’s actions set a precedent for Muslims to view cats as pure animals and to treat them with kindness and respect. This perspective is deeply embedded in Islamic culture, law, and ethics.
