Cats in Religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism
Throughout history, cats have woven their way into the fabric of various cultures and religions, often symbolizing diverse traits and embodying significant spiritual meanings. In exploring the religious contexts of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, we uncover a rich tapestry of beliefs that highlight the esteemed roles cats have played. Cats are more than just beloved pets; they are embedded in the spiritual and moral teachings of these major religions. This article delves into the theological significance of cats within these three major faiths, examining how they have been perceived and what they represent in the religion of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
Cats In Islam Religion:
Cats in Islam, or (felines), are considered pure animals. There are hadiths from the prophetic tradition indicating their purity and the permissibility of keeping and raising them. Cats are beloved animals to The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), who referred to them as among those who roam freely in homes.He would perform ablution with the water a cat had drunk from, considering it pure. One of the companions was nicknamed Abu Hurairah (Father of the Kitten) due to his deep attachment to this animal. Cats are the most common animals in Muslim countries and are among the most frequently kept pets by Muslims. Unlike dogs, Islamic law permits cats to enter homes, houses, and mosques due to their purity. Scholars and the majority of the four schools of thought agree on the purity of cats, including the purity of their bodies and saliva, and that the food they eat from is not impure. Their leftover water and skin are also considered pure, unlike their urine, feces, and blood. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) performed ablution with the remaining water from a container that a cat had drunk from and did not prohibit it. Some of the hadiths and narrations that indicate the purity of cats include:
The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said:
It is not impure; it is among those who roam around you (freely).
Also It is authentically narrated from Aisha, The prophet Mohammed's wife : "Her servant sent her some harisa (a type of food) to Aisha , and she found her praying. She gestured to me to put it down, and then a cat came and ate from it. When she finished praying, she ate from the place where the cat had eaten. She said:
The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said: it is not impure; it is among those who roam around you. I saw the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) perform ablution with the leftover water of a cat.
Islam permits the keeping and raising of cats and encourages mercy in dealing with them. It warns of punishment in Hell for those who harm, torture, kill, or imprison them without providing food or drink. This is mentioned in Sahih Muslim: The Prophet ﷺ said:
A woman was punished in Hell because of a cat which she had confined until it died. She did not give it to eat or drink while keeping it confined, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.
There is a difference of opinion regarding the sale of cats and taking payment for them. Most scholars permit the selling of cats, while some scholars consider it forbidden.
Cats In Christianity Religion:
In Christianity, there isn't much specifically about cats, but there are several verses that discuss animals in general and the importance of treating them kindly. Those who have pets are encouraged to love, care for, and meet their needs. Loving animals is not wrong; the care we show for the animals entrusted to us is a measure of personal integrity:"The righteous care for the needs of their animals" (Proverbs 12:10).
In the Bible, cats are indirectly mentioned in some verses. For example, in Proverbs 26:13:
The sluggard says, 'There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets
Cats In Judaism Religion:
Jews Have Kept Cats Since Ancient Times
The Talmud mentions that cats were a common presence in Jewish homes in ancient times, valued especially for their skill in hunting snakes and ensuring the safety of household residents.The Jewish sage Rav Pappa is said to have advised against entering houses without cats at night to avoid accidentally stepping on a snake (Talmud Pesachim 112b:10).
Rabbi Yochanan observed:
If the Torah had not been given, we could have learned modesty from the cat, honesty from the ant, chastity from the dove, and good manners from the rooster…” (from Eruvin 100b)
Cat Amulet
In conclusion, the role of cats in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism reveals a profound appreciation and reverence for these creatures across different religious traditions. Each faith has recognized the unique place that cats hold within the spiritual and moral framework of their teachings.
In Islam, cats are celebrated for their purity and are considered blessed animals, with numerous hadiths affirming their clean nature and the Prophet Muhammad's (S.A.W.) fondness for them. The teachings emphasize compassion towards cats, reflecting their esteemed status within the Muslim community.
Christianity, while not as explicitly focused on cats, upholds the principle of kindness to animals, as highlighted in scripture. The general encouragement to care for and respect animals underscores the positive view held towards pets like cats, embodying the broader Christian values of compassion and stewardship.
Judaism acknowledges the historical significance of cats, particularly for their practical roles in safeguarding homes from pests. The Talmud's references to cats, both as symbols of virtue and practical protectors, indicate a longstanding appreciation for their contributions to Jewish life.
Overall, these religious perspectives collectively illustrate a positive regard for cats, viewing them not just as animals but as integral parts of spiritual and daily life. This shared reverence underscores a universal recognition of the special bond between humans and cats, transcending religious and cultural boundaries.
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