Is anyone familiar with Islamic customs? Jenny?

I read on an email group that Muslims are not allowed to touch cats or dogs with their hands and only with their feet and that is a reason that animals are frequently abused in Islamic countries. I find this hard to believe. I know Jenny and Julie have animals in an Islamic country and that while the veterinary care isn't what it is here, it does exist. Anyone know? Becky

I am not too sure about cats but it is true about dogs, their religion does not allow them to touch them because they are unclean. BUT that does not mean that it automatically means there is abuse. I learnt about this when talking to two friends who are muslims. They are from an Islamic country, Brunei, a country in South East Asia. There was a stray dog when we had this conversation. They have no problem playing with the dog albeit only if they wear gloves, which they did.

I´m not.... sorry I wished would to help you...

Bosnia isn't a predominantly islamic country, LOL! Yes, there are islamics, but it's not a predominant one. And no, that is incorrect. My dad who is islamic had a ginger Tabby when he grew up that he loved Very much. His name was sarman. It is at least not rue of cats, as cats are thought to be highly clean.

(But I add, that as a turk, they did away with all the silliness.)

No firsthand knowledge here, but I found an article which might be of interest:
http://www.islamicconcerns.com/dogs.asp
It's an Islamic animal welfare site.

Animal abuse exists in a lot of places and cultures, sadly. In my own city, the police are working to stop dogfighting and cockfighting, which some people seem to think is entertaining.

A story is told about Muhammed and his pet cat:

While he was taking a nap, Muhammed's cat curled up and went to sleep on the sleeve of his robe. Upon awakening, Muhammed had an important meeting to go to and, rather than wake the cat, he cut off the sleeve and went to his meeting.

Originally Posted by katl8e

A story is told about Muhammed and his pet cat:

While he was taking a nap, Muhammed's cat curled up and went to sleep on the sleeve of his robe. Upon awakening, Muhammed had an important meeting to go to and, rather than wake the cat, he cut off the sleeve and went to his meeting.

Click to expand...

thats sweet.
I always try not to wake my kitty up hehe!

Thanks everyone. I didn't think it could be as cut and dried as some people think. Becky

Hi there,

I am relatively new to the forums, but your topic caught my eye. I am muslim and have lived both in Pakistan and Saudia Arabia. Well.....to answer your questions...I know cats and dogs are regarded differently in islamic customs. Muslims first off are not supposed to harm a living being , be it animal or human. Cats hold a special place because our prophet Muhammaed (PBUH) liked cats. A positive place. I myself have two . THey are spoiled in every way. As for dogs, I have almost never seen anyone having a dog in Saudia, except for non muslim people but in Pakistan I know quite a few ppl who do have dogs and spoil them. On a more general level, dogs are regarded to be unclean due to rabies and not being as fastidious in comparison to other animals...like cats i guess.... I frankly dont know the exact word on treatment with dogs, but I know that a person has to wash a different way each time they come in contact with a dogs saliva. But there is no mention any where in the holy texts or even in the prophets life time ....for encouraging abuse for animals. I recently visited paksitan and yes the conditions that dogs and cats living on the street face are not very good. Most of the abuse I have seen is due to lack of education. That is in my opinion the single most important factor. People assume it is okay to keep these animals out in the streets. There is no education about spaying and neutering....that kind of stuff.
I dont konw if all this answered your questions...but ...lol I did my best...

Take care

Ayesha

Yes, exactly what I wanted to know, from someone who has been there. Thanks. Becky

Welcome Ayesha, and thank you for posting.

I, too, heard the story of Muhammed and his cat. I'm afraid I've haven't been as nice when Jasper has been sleeping on me...

Bosnia is divided into Islamic, Catholic and orthodox areas, and where I live, in Sarajevo, it is about 90% Muslim, but the Islam here is a very relaxed sort, and most Muslims I know drink alcohol and do other things forbidden in stricter places. Many of them have dogs, but I do not know of anyone who has indoor cats, though when I go out on the street with the cat carrier people always stop me and ask kindly about the cat. Cats on the street are regarded mostly as vermin, though a few people (my landlord included) feed ferals in their gardens. They will not spay or neuter animals though, as they regard that as unnatural. Moslems have very strict rules about washing, especially before they go to pray, and any contact with an animal must be washed off. But my landlord will pick up the one feral who allows him to do so, and both he and his brother (who lives next door to me and is devout to the point of going to Mosque 5 times a day) love my cats and will happily look after them if I go away.

Interesting that they view neutering and spaying as unnatural. I guess they aren't big on vasectomies or tubal ligations, either. Thanks. Becky

I don't think you can even get a vasectomy here!