The Perspective of Islam and Science on Cats

Cats have been known as one of humanity’s companions since the dawn of civilization. One of the reasons for their popularity as pets in the modern world is their cleanliness and friendly behavior toward humans. There are clear instructions in Islam regarding keeping cats, along with excellent research from modern science. In today’s report, we will discuss everything about keeping cats in light of Islam and science.

Islam is a complete way of life that places great emphasis on the rights of animals and the importance of showing them compassion. Islam’s perspective on cats is extremely positive.

According to Islamic Sharia, cats are not impure like dogs or some other animals. There is no prohibition in Islam regarding cat saliva or cats being in the house. In a hadith narrated from the renowned companion Hazrat Abu Qatada (ra.), the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said about cats:

“They are not impure, but rather they are frequenters of your surroundings.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 92)

Many jurists have even opined that it is permissible to perform ablution with water that a cat has drunk from a container.

In Islam, cruelty to animals is strictly forbidden. On the contrary, showing compassion to a cat is considered an act of worship. The Prophet (PBUH) said to the famous companion, ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Sakhr (Abu Hurayrah): affectionately gave him the title ‘Abu Hurayra’ or ‘Father of the Cat,’ because he always kept a cat with him and cared for it.

The Prophet (PBUH) warned about the severity of harming a cat or trapping it and leaving it to starve to death. A hadith in Sahih Bukhari states:

“A woman was punished because of a cat. She had confined it and eventually it died. She neither fed it nor set it free to fend for itself by eating the insects of the earth. As a result, she was a resident of the Fire.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3318)

Modern medicine and psychology have proven the numerous physical and mental benefits of keeping cats. Contact with cats has a positive impact on human health.

A long-term study by the University of Minnesota’s Stroke Institute found that people who own cats have a risk of dying from heart disease or a heart attack that is about 30% to 40% lower than those who do not. Spending time with a cat helps control blood pressure and reduces stress.

Petting a cat releases the hormone oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” in the human body. This instantly reduces stress and anxiety. A cat’s special type of purring helps to calm the human nervous system.

According to scientists, the frequency of a cat’s purr is typically between 20 and 140 Hertz (Hz). This specific frequency has been shown to be clinically beneficial for increasing bone density, healing wounds, and relieving muscle pain.

Multiple studies have shown that children who grow up with a cat from their first year of life have a much lower risk of asthma, allergies, and infections later in life. Contact with cats makes children’s immune systems stronger.

Cats are considered sacred animals, and their saliva is not impure. Cats keep themselves clean and their saliva has some anti-bacterial properties.

Cats protect the home from mice and other harmful creatures. As predators, they reduce pest and rodent infestations in the house. Cats alleviate loneliness and depression. Their companionship is helpful in combating loneliness and sadness.

Both Islam and science speak of certain responsibilities when it comes to keeping cats:

The cat must be given adequate food and a safe shelter.

It is important to keep the cat’s litter box clean regularly so that germs do not spread.

If the cat falls ill, one must consult a veterinarian and give the necessary vaccinations.

In conclusion, keeping a cat is not just a hobby; from an Islamic perspective, it is a rewarding act, and according to scientific research, it contributes to good health. Islam teaches us to serve creation, and science shows us how we can benefit from that service ourselves. Showing kindness to a cat can be the key to your salvation in the hereafter as well as your mental peace in this life.

References: 1. Sahih Bukhari and Sunan Tirmidhi (Hadith collections). 2. University of Minnesota Stroke Institute Study on Cat Ownership. 3. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology. 4. The Therapeutic Effects of Cat Purring (Scientific American).