Medieval Wisdom on Animal Ethics: Ibn Mazah's Hadith-based Ruling and Reasoning on Cat Sterilization
Abstract
This study was motivated by the large population of feral cats that are not properly cared for, leading to cat overpopulation. The objectives of this study are to determine (1) the Islamic law regarding cat sterilization and (2) the health benefits of sterilization. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method and a qualitative approach, utilizing various relevant references as data sources. Data were collected using a literature review and subsequently analyzed using content analysis. The results of this study indicate that (1) Islam permits the sterilization of cats in accordance with the hadith evidence in the book by Ibn Mazah (d. 1219) titled Al-Muḥīṭ al-Burhānī fī al-Fiqh al-Nuʿmānī, and (2) sterilization is strongly recommended by health experts. This study implies that cat owners who wish for their pets to be healthy and free from disease should have them sterilized. The sterilization procedure must also comply with Islamic principles, which require that the animal not be harmed by administering anesthesia prior to the procedure.
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