Several natural behaviors and traits of wild cats may have been pre-adapted to their domestication as pets. These characteristics include their small size, social nature, clear body language, love of play and high intelligence

Islamic life Published: March 12, 2023 10:38 am Islamic view of dogs and cats Mufti Muhammad Mortuza Islamic view of dogs and cats Dogs and cats are God's creatures. According to the Qur'anic commentary, they are a distinct race like any other animal that roams the earth. Therefore, as the creatures of Almighty Allah, they also have some rights. There is no chance of causing them unnecessary trouble. Since they live close to humans, there are certain guidelines in Islam regarding them, which it is the duty of every Muslim to follow. They are highlighted below- Dog-cat rearing: Dog is a very intelligent animal, trained dogs are very efficient in guarding houses, cows-goats etc. Law enforcement uses trained dogs to track down criminals and illegal weapons. Therefore, there is an opportunity to keep dogs only for guarding and security, keep them outside the house. However, keeping unnecessary dogs is discouraged in Islam. On the authority of Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA), he said, Rasul (PBUH)It is said that a person who owns a dog other than a guard dog or a hunting dog, his reward is reduced by two kirats per day. (Bukhari, Hadith: 5482) It should be noted that one Kirat is equivalent to a mountain of Ohud. It is found in the hadith that angels do not come near when dogs are with them. (Abu Dawud, Hadith: 2555) Once the revelation of the Prophet (PBUH) stopped due to the presence of a dog in the house. (Muslim, Hadith: 5406) Even the Prophet (PBUH) ordered that if a dog drinks from a vessel, it should be washed seven times to clean it. Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet (PBUH)He said, if a dog puts its mouth in a container, it should be washed seven times, the first or last time should be rubbed with earth. If the cat gets its mouth on it, one wash is enough. (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 91) But since cats are not impure, there is no ban on keeping them. Abu Huraira (R.A.) said, Rasul (S.A.W.) said, cats do not destroy prayers. Because it belongs to household items. (Ibn Majah, Hadith: 369) Buying and selling of dogs and cats: Generally buying and selling of dogs and cats is prohibited. In the hadith there is a prohibition about the buying and selling of dogs and cats. (Muslim, Hadith: 3907) But trained dogs are different. Because it is mentioned in Hadith Sharif, Abu Hurairah (R.A.) said that it is forbidden to take the selling price of dogs other than hunting dogs. (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1281) Eating dogs and cats: It is forbidden to eat the meat of dogs as they are directly impure and violent animals. Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet (PBUH)It is forbidden to eat all kinds of wild animals. (Muslim, Hadith: 4886) Although there is relaxation in Islam regarding the keeping of cats, it is also prohibited to eat them. Jabir (R.A.) said, Rasulullah (S.A.W.) forbade eating cat meat and taking its selling price. (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1280) If you eat dog and cat meat without knowing it: If you eat anything haram including dog and cat without knowing it, then you have to repent after giving it to Allah. And vow to avoid such food for the future. (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1862, Mirqat: 6/2386) Eating animals hunted by trained dogs: It is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an, they ask you, what has been made lawful for them? Say, 'Lawful for you are all the good things and the beasts of prey, which you have trained to hunt; Teach them what Allah has taught you. So eat from what He has brought you and remember the name of Allah with it and fear Allah. Surely Allah is quick to take account.' (Surah: Maida, verse: 4) In the Book of Tafsir, it is halal or permissible to eat animals and birds hunted by trained hunters subject to two conditions. (a) Saying 'Bismillah' before sending for hunting. (b) the hunter shall leave the hunted thing (animal or bird) for the owner and wait for him; Do not eat it yourself. Even if he has killed the hunted animal or bird, it is permissible to eat it provided that he is educated and trained in hunting and that no other animal is with him when he is dispatched. It is mentioned in Hadith Sharif, Adi Ibn Hatim (RA)Said, I asked Rasool (pbuh) that we are a people who are hunted by dogs. He said, "If you have sent your trained dogs reciting 'Bismillah' then eat what they hold for you; Although the victim is killed by the dog. But if the dog eats some of the prey (then won't eat). For then I fear that he has taken the prey for his own purposes. And if another dog meets him, he will not eat. (Bukhari, Hadith: 5483) Kindness to dogs and cats: Although dogs are unclean animals, it is not forbidden to be kind to them by keeping a distance. Feeding a hungry dog is not reprehensible. In the hadith, an adulterous woman was forgiven by giving water to a dog. (Bukhari, Hadith: 3321) Again, a woman was tortured for punishing the cat by not giving it food. (Bukhari, Hadith: 3482) But it is unexpected to show extra kindness to cats and dogs than to helpless people.