MUEZZA

            This is the story of the most famous feline in the Islamic religion. Many Muslims feel cats are the best pet. Cats are the most popular pet for several reasons. It is believed they have pure souls and possess barakah which means blessings. They are a clean animal which is important to Muslims. This is why they are allowed in mosques. There was a practical reason why they became the favorite pet. They protected grain supplies from mice and cobras. They also killed mice that would eat books. It was believed that food they eat is halal which means it is permissible for humans to eat those particular foods. The water they drank is good for a ritual washing of the body called wudu.

           There is a famous myth about the prophet Muhammad and his cat. Once upon a time, Muhammad was getting ready to go preach in the mosque when he found a cute kitten sleeping on his robe. Instead of waking the snoozing kitty, he cut off the sleeve the cat was sleeping on. He went to the mosque wearing a robe with only one sleeve. He named the cat Muezza which means “comforter”, “cherished one”, or “dear one”. From that day on, Muezza accompanied Muhammad to the mosque and sat on his lap as he preached. The story may not be true, but it fits Muhammad’s teaching that Muslims should be kind to animals, especially cats. He said: “To show mercy, no matter how small, is a good deed. How can you be so unfeeling as to not care for the weak? A cat deserves compassion as much as any human.” He encouraged mosques to accept and feed cats.