Index

Story: The Drowning Cat

Story: The Drowning Cat

A wise old man was sitting at the river bank when he saw a cat that had fallen into the water, flailing around, trying to save itself from drowning.

The man decided to save the cat. He stretched his hand out but was scratched by the cat. He pulled his hand back in pain. However, a minute later he stretched his hand out again to save the cat, but it scratched him again and again he pulled his hand back in pain. Another minute later he tried again for the third time!! A man, who was nearby watching what was happening, yelled out, “O wise man, you have not learned your lesson the first time nor the second and now you are trying to save the cat a third time?” The wise man paid no heed to that man’s scolding and kept on trying until he managed to save the cat.

He then walked over to the man and patted his shoulder saying: “My son… it is in the cat’s nature to scratch and it is in my nature to love and have sympathy. Why do you want me to let the cat’s nature overcome mine?! Treat people according to your nature not according to theirs, no matter what they are like and no matter how numerous their actions may be that harm you and cause you hurt sometimes. And do not pay heed to all the voices that loudly call out to you to abandon your good qualities merely because the other party is not deserving of your noble actions. When you live to give happiness to others, God the Almighty will send you those who will live to give happiness to you. “Is the reward for good anything but good?” (Koran, 55:60). Be beautiful in character and hearts will love you. So never regret the moments you gave happiness to someone, even if that person did not deserve it. And suffice in the fact that you have a Lord who will reward you for good with good.”

MUHAMMAD YUSUF As-Salam correspondent

2026-07-01 (Muharram 1448) №7.


The Reason Why Do We Cry at Beautiful Scenes in Movies

Have you ever experienced the situation when you are watching a movie, and suddenly something so beautiful happens on the screen that a lump forms in your throat and treacherous tears roll down your cheeks?   The hero finally achieves his goal, meets a loved one after a long separation, or...


Who Forced an Entry into the Pyramid?

What father would wish his son hard work? What father would not wish his son glory and honour? But glory and honour are impossible without daily hard work for the good of one’s people.   A father must carefully select from among his many sons the most God-fearing, the most talented in...


Dialogue or Argument in the Family

Dialogue and argument are similar in meaning. Both involve an exchange of opinions on a specific topic.   However, dialogue is conducted politely, with careful listening and an exchange of knowledge, allowing each person to learn something new. An unworthy argument, however, is more like a...


The Art of Wearing a Headscarf in the Arab World

The headscarf that Muslim women use to cover their hair and neck reflects their spiritual values, their desire for modesty and their personal connection to religion. Over the centuries, unique traditions have developed in various parts of the Islamic world, each with its own characteristics and...


The Echo of Feminism and the Voice of Faith

In our time, the loud voices of feminism echo even into the hearts of Muslim women.   This echo, rolling across the world, sounds loud and insistent, sometimes so powerful that it can knock down those who have not yet firmly established themselves on the path of truth. On social media, on...