The Book of Water - Sunan an-Nasa'i 340

"I poured some water for him for Wudu', and a cat came and drank from it, so he tilted the vessel for it to drink." Kabshah said: "He saw me looking at him and said: 'Are you surprised, O daughter of my brother?' I said: 'Yes.' He said: 'The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'They are not impure, rather they are among the males and females (animals) who go around among you."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes the fundamental ruling regarding cats in Islamic law. The Prophet's companion demonstrated practical application of the Prophetic teaching by tilting the vessel to facilitate the cat's drinking, showing kindness to Allah's creation.

The declaration "They are not impure" (إنها ليست بنجس) provides clear legal evidence that cats are pure animals. This purity extends to their saliva, contrary to some misconceptions. The phrase "among the males and females who go around among you" indicates their common presence in human dwellings and establishes their special status as domesticated creatures.

Legal Implications

Water touched by a cat remains pure and suitable for ablution (wudu'). The companion's action of continuing to use the water after the cat drank demonstrates this practical application.

This ruling reflects the mercy and practicality of Islamic law, recognizing the natural coexistence between humans and these common household animals. The hadith encourages kindness toward cats and clarifies that their presence does not necessitate ritual purification of vessels or water.

Scholarly Consensus

The majority of classical scholars, including the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence, have relied upon this hadith to establish the purity of cats. Imam an-Nawawi stated this is the position of Malik, ash-Shafi'i, Ahmad, and the jurists of hadith.

This ruling exemplifies how the Prophet's teachings brought ease to the Muslim community, removing unnecessary restrictions and promoting harmonious living with Allah's creatures.