A stray cat was sitting next to a door, helpless and drained from the heat. Perhaps it wanted to feel the cold air as the door opened, but not too many people were pleased and were asking if someone could take the creature away. The cat simply sat there, doing no harm, not getting in anyone’s way. “Ew, it’s ugly.” “It’s so scary.” “How can you touch it? It might have a disease.” Little did I care about their absurd remarks, and I sat next to the cat and petted it. The cat was so precious; it was stroking its head on my hand and going in circles around me – the feeling was delightful.
All this cat wanted was to survive and to be loved. We humans are brought to this world to preserve its God-given beauty. These animals are a part of God’s creation, so surely our duty is to nurture them and not mistreat them.
People who were passing by were kicking the cat, trying to get it to leave. Did they know that hurting a cat deliberately is a sin in our religion? Did they know that these animals clean up the streets just by living on insects? As kids, we were taught the importance of animals. We even had to memorise a Hadith about a lady who went to hell because she starved a cat to death. Saving a cat, or helping one just a little, goes a long way. “All the creatures are the ayaal [family] of Allah. The more beloved of Allah, among His creatures, therefore, is the man who is good to His family, ie, creatures.” (Imam Baihaqi)
Stray animals are not supposed to be neglected. Some view them as “filthy, disease-carrying” beings, which is a misconception. Not all these animals are sick, and you don’t have to touch them to help them, either. If you find one near your house, just put out some leftovers; you don’t have to order something extravagant from a restaurant. Around our house, we have about five cats and on our doorstep there is a bowl of water and biscuits, which we fill up twice a day. The cats look happy and healthy running around in our garden. As much as I would love to take them in, I can’t, so this was the least we can do. Another dear friend and her mother do the exact same thing, but instead of five cats they tend to more than a dozen. It’s such a beautiful thing to build a bond with these beautiful animals, which start to open up to you. Stray cats don’t trust anyone – it’s hard for them to do so – so gaining their love and trust is nothing ordinary.
I remember hearing a story from my teacher, who loved cats so much she always had a can of tuna in her bag. One day, she happened to forget it at home and came upon a stray cat by her car. She went all the way to the supermarket to get a can of tuna and placed it near the cat. It’s a small act, but one that made me look up to my teacher. After all, these animals belong to us, so let’s give them what they deserve. We can take them into our homes or simply create a bond. These beautiful creatures have suffered enough – please help them when you find them on your way. You are all they have.
• Nada Al Menhali, 18, is a strategic communications student at Zayed University.
If you are an Emirati woman who has a good story to tell or an interesting issue to debate, contact Shireena Al Nowais on salnuwais@thenational.ae
