Cat Daughter Ruby

​By: Mostafezur Rahman

Date of Composition: October 29, 2023 AD

​Radiant with the light of faith is the year two thousand and three,

My branches bloom with the love of Abu Hurairah, wild and free.

This pure creature of Islam, the Prophet's beloved treasure,

Every moment is soothed by a cat's love, beyond measure.

​"Cats are not impure or unclean; they are free and honored members roaming around you."

— (Sunan at-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawood)

​The Prophet also taught regarding their purity—

​"They are those who frequent your surroundings, the 'Tawaf-performing' or household companion animals."

— (Sunan an-Nasa'i)

​The history of liberation of that woman of Bani Israel,

Assured by the Lord for serving a cat, a tale to tell.

On the morning the Messenger cut his sacred cloak and left it there,

So the sleeping cat's comfort wouldn't break, handled with care!

​Mother of the Believers Aisha (R) loved them with an endless pull,

Making ablution with a cat’s leftover water is a Sunnah rich and full.

The Prophet (PBUH) taught the great lesson of mercy—

​"He who is not merciful, mercy is not shown to him."

— (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

​This supreme love for living beings is Islam's core decree.

​Companion Abu Hurairah (R), a radiant minaret of cat-love's grace,

Keeping cats inside his garment's hem or pouch with fond embrace.

The beloved Prophet affectionately named him 'Abu Hurairah',

That history of love for cats shines bright forevermore.

​Floating across memory's page is a father-daughter tale divine,

My eldest daughter Maria Nusaiba Afifa, my soul's close line.

I wander around the monument with Afifa seated on my shoulder,

Speak at the university dais, holding her close as I grow bolder.

And my younger daughter Fatima al-Fihri, peerless and bright,

Bangladesh's first Fatima al-Fihri, a red-and-green delight!

With utmost care she feeds me by her own hands day and night,

Her tender touch fills my heart with joy, a wondrous sight.

​Sitting quietly with a basket of fish right in front of her,

My dear cat daughter Ruby wrapped in a blanket of love's blur.

You are a tender soul within my life's grand span,

An eternal song of friendship between a cat and man.

​An Abu Hurairah of this age am I, Mostafijur Rahman,

My soul is dedicated to eternal truth and beauty's plan.

This bond of affection woven through the Prophet's Sunnah way,

May it be emulated by the world in serving creation today.

This sacred bond between humans and cats so fine,

Will remain an eternal memory on poetry's page and line.