"Kabshah bint Ka'b bin Malik - she was (married) with Ibn Abi Qatadah - narrated "That Abu Qatadah visited her, [so she said:] 'So I poured water for him to use for Wudu.' She said: 'A cat came to drink, so he lowered he container until it drank.' Kabshah said: 'So he saw me looking at it and said, "O my niece! Are you surprised at that?" So I said yes. He said: "Indeed Allah's Messenger said 'It is not impure, it is only one of those roam around among you.'"
Hadith Commentary: The Purity of Cats
This narration from Kabshah bint Ka'b bin Malik, recorded in Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 92), addresses a fundamental question regarding ritual purity in Islamic law. The incident demonstrates the practical application of Prophetic teachings in daily life.
Legal Ruling on Cat's Saliva
The Prophet's declaration that cats are not impure (laysat bi-najisah) establishes their saliva as pure according to the majority of classical scholars. This ruling facilitates ease for Muslims, as cats frequently interact with human environments.
The phrase "those who roam around among you" (al-tawwafīna 'alaykum) indicates creatures commonly found in human dwellings that don't transmit impurity. This includes domestic cats that share living spaces with people.
Scholarly Interpretation
Imam al-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan sahih (good and authentic). Scholars from all major schools of jurisprudence have relied on this narration to establish the purity of cats and their saliva.
The Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools all agree that water touched by a cat remains pure and suitable for ablution. This consensus stems from the clear textual evidence in this hadith.
Practical Implications
Abu Qatadah's action of allowing the cat to drink directly from his wudu vessel demonstrates the permissibility of using water after a cat has drunk from it without requiring replacement or purification.
This ruling reflects Islam's balanced approach to purity laws, avoiding unnecessary hardship while maintaining proper hygiene standards. The wisdom behind this ruling acknowledges the natural coexistence between humans and domestic animals.