Source: Aḥkām al-Masājid by Shaykh Muḥammad Munīr Qamar (p. 225 onwards)
In certain regions, some people deliberately release troublesome cats into mosques. This is a strange practice, noted both in personal observation and by scholars in their writings.
Ibn al-Ḥājj in his book al-Madkhal wrote:
“The earlier generations used to honor the houses of Allah—the mosques—by keeping them pure and clean from unsuitable things. But today people have changed. In our times, some even allow cats inside the mosques. These cats trouble people and spread filth. If someone has a troublesome cat at home, instead of dealing with it, he simply abandons it in the mosque.”
(Reference: Iṣlāḥ al-Masājid, p. 225)
Imām al-Nawawī (رحمه الله), as quoted by al-Zarkashī (رحمه الله), stated that it is makrūh (disliked) to allow madmen, insane individuals, or animals—including cats—into mosques.
(Iʿlām al-Sājid, pp. 312–313)
◈ The reason: neither madmen nor animals observe the sanctity of the mosque, and both can cause impurity and filth.
◈ Therefore, caretakers of mosques (mutawalliyān) must prevent them from entering.
If someone is concerned about human dignity, then instead of leaving insane people in mosques, the community should arrange for their admission into hospitals where they can be treated, while protecting people from their harm and preserving the sanctity of mosques.
Thus:
Some narrations mention:
“Keep your mosques away from children, madmen, corrupt people, buying and selling, disputes, loud voices, unsheathed swords, and carrying out legal punishments.”
(Reported in Ṭabarānī al-Kabīr, al-Khilāfiyyāt of al-Bayhaqī, Musannaf ʿAbd al-Razzāq, Ibn Mājah [weak], and others)
But these reports are weak (ḍaʿīf) due to breaks in their chains and cannot serve as proof.
✿ Allowing cats or insane people into mosques is against the sanctity and respect of Allah’s houses.
✿ They cause harm, dirt, and disturbance to worshippers.
✿ It is the duty of mosque caretakers to keep them away.
✿ Such individuals (the insane) should be cared for properly in hospitals or safe places, not abandoned in mosques.
The Practice in Some Places
In certain regions, some people deliberately release troublesome cats into mosques. This is a strange practice, noted both in personal observation and by scholars in their writings.
Ibn al-Ḥājj in his book al-Madkhal wrote:
“The earlier generations used to honor the houses of Allah—the mosques—by keeping them pure and clean from unsuitable things. But today people have changed. In our times, some even allow cats inside the mosques. These cats trouble people and spread filth. If someone has a troublesome cat at home, instead of dealing with it, he simply abandons it in the mosque.”
(Reference: Iṣlāḥ al-Masājid, p. 225)
Scholars’ View
Imām al-Nawawī (رحمه الله), as quoted by al-Zarkashī (رحمه الله), stated that it is makrūh (disliked) to allow madmen, insane individuals, or animals—including cats—into mosques.
(Iʿlām al-Sājid, pp. 312–313)
◈ The reason: neither madmen nor animals observe the sanctity of the mosque, and both can cause impurity and filth.
◈ Therefore, caretakers of mosques (mutawalliyān) must prevent them from entering.
The Correct Approach
If someone is concerned about human dignity, then instead of leaving insane people in mosques, the community should arrange for their admission into hospitals where they can be treated, while protecting people from their harm and preserving the sanctity of mosques.
Thus:
- Such individuals are deserving of compassion.
- But compassion does not mean abandoning them in mosques, causing dirt and disrespect.
- The same ruling applies to cats and other animals.
Weak Reports on the Issue
Some narrations mention:
“Keep your mosques away from children, madmen, corrupt people, buying and selling, disputes, loud voices, unsheathed swords, and carrying out legal punishments.”
(Reported in Ṭabarānī al-Kabīr, al-Khilāfiyyāt of al-Bayhaqī, Musannaf ʿAbd al-Razzāq, Ibn Mājah [weak], and others)
But these reports are weak (ḍaʿīf) due to breaks in their chains and cannot serve as proof.
Summary
✿ Allowing cats or insane people into mosques is against the sanctity and respect of Allah’s houses.
✿ They cause harm, dirt, and disturbance to worshippers.
✿ It is the duty of mosque caretakers to keep them away.
✿ Such individuals (the insane) should be cared for properly in hospitals or safe places, not abandoned in mosques.
