Hadith Reference:
Imam Malik narrated from Kabshah bint Ka‘b bin Malik (رضي الله عنها), who was the wife of Ibn Abi Qatadah:*"Abu Qatadah (رضي الله عنه) came to visit her, and she poured water for his ablution. A cat approached and started drinking from the water. Abu Qatadah tilted the container to let the cat drink. Kabshah said, ‘He saw me watching him and asked, “Are you surprised, O daughter of my brother?” I replied, “Yes.”
Then he said: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘It (the cat) is not impure. It is one of those who freely roam among you.’’*
(Narrated by Abu Dawood: 75, Tirmidhi: 92 – who graded it Hasan, Ibn Majah: 367, Nasa’i: 1/55, Ibn Khuzaymah: 104, Ibn Hibban: 121, Bayhaqi: 1/245, Mustadrak Hakim: 1/159-160 – authenticated by Hakim and agreed upon by Imam Dhahabi.)
Key Lessons and Rulings:
① A Cat is Not Impure (Najis)
- The hadith clearly states that a cat is not impure, and its leftover water is also not najis.
- This ruling is based on the fact that cats frequently move around households and it would be difficult to avoid their contact completely.
② Feeding Thirsty Animals is a Virtuous Act
- Providing water to thirsty animals is a highly rewarded action in Islam.
- Abu Qatadah’s act of allowing the cat to drink first reflects compassion and care for animals.
- Prioritizing a thirsty animal's need over one’s own is a commendable deed in Islam.
③ General Principle of Purity in Islamic Law
- Everything is considered pure unless there is clear evidence proving impurity.
- Since cats frequently interact with people, their contact and leftovers are not considered impure.
Conclusion
Islam teaches kindness towards animals and practical rulings that facilitate ease. Cats are not impure, and their leftover water is also not najis. Caring for animals, especially providing them water, is an act of reward in Islam.
Reference: This content is derived from the book "Diya al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi-Ahadith al-Ahkam" by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.