I don’t know whether you have a cat, or whether you’ve ever carefully observed one.
“For you, there are surely lessons in animals as well.” (Nahl 66)
With this secret, Allah has sent these lovely creatures to us as friends, examples, and teachers—so that we may understand, even a little, the meaning of “Ya Rahîm” (O Most Merciful).
Let’s begin…
Ya Rahîm.
1-The Secrets of a Cat’s Purr
A cat’s purring is a source of healing, acknowledged even by science, and sent to us by our Merciful Lord. The frequency of a cat’s purr ranges between 25–150 Hz. This frequency accelerates cellular regeneration in the human body, strengthens bones, and reduces stress.
Ustad Master Said Nursi points to this truth as follows:
“Yes, if you listen carefully to their sorrowful purring, you will understand that they are saying ‘Ya Rahîm, Ya Rahîm.’” (The Sixteenth Letter)
2-Do Not Be Indebted to Anyone
“A cat loves you, supplicates to you—until it receives the favor from you. Once it receives it, it takes on such an attitude as if there were no acquaintance between you and as if it feels no gratitude toward you. However, its gratitude is only toward the True Bestower. For its nature knows its Creator, and through the language of its state, it performs its worship—whether consciously or not.”
(Master Nursi)
If you are disturbed by people’s behavior, be like a cat and walk away. Do not try to convince anyone. Trying to please everyone exhausts a person. (Unjust ingratitude is excluded from this discussion.)
“Allah is One. Do not tire yourself by turning to others. Do not abase yourself before them or feel indebted. Do not flatter them or bow to them. Do not chase after them and suffer. Do not tremble in fear of them. For the Sovereign of the Universe is One. The key to everything is with Him, and the reins of everything are in His hand. Everything is resolved by His command. If you find Him, you find all that you seek; you are saved from endless dependencies and fears.”
(Letters / Twentieth Letter / First Station by Master Nursi)
3 -Do Not Seek Approval and Love
Cats are balanced in their relationships. They may be fond of people, but they never cling. Do not seek approval either. The One whose approval truly matters is Allah, who is sufficient.
“Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?” (Zumar 36)
If they wish, they stay with us; if not, they leave. When they want affection, they make themselves loved—but they never demand love by force.
4-Move When You Wake Up
After staying still for a long time, cats always stretch when they wake up. This stretching renews both body and soul. It lightens the burden of the day.
5-Don’t Forget to Play
Cats can play in any situation. Play is a natural part of their lives. But how much time do we, in our daily rush, dedicate to halal entertainment and our hobbies?
6-Be a Good Observer and Listener
A cat is often silent, but it observes everything carefully. It knows when to approach and when to withdraw. If people spoke a little less and listened a little more, the world would be a calmer place.
7-Live in the Moment
Cats are true masters of mindfulness. They neither live in the regret of the past nor in the anxiety of the future. For them, there is only the present. This is a complete state of trust (tawakkul).
“O soul! Know that yesterday has left your hands, and for tomorrow you have no guarantee that you will possess it. So consider your true life to be the day you are in.”
(The 21st Word by Master Nursi)
8-Know How to Set Boundaries
Cats are clear when it comes to boundaries. They come when they want affection, and when they do not, they protect their space. If you try to force them, they skillfully refuse. We humans, however, often struggle to say “no.” With someone who constantly violates our boundaries, it is necessary not to resent them, but to establish limits and distance.
9-Focus on Your Goal
A cat can follow its target patiently for hours. This attitude keeps its mind alert and alive. You too should focus on what you value.
“Do your work with your whole being, as if your life and existence depend on it.”
(Zübeyir Gündüzalp)
10-Curiosity Is the Teacher of Knowledge
Cats are curious; they explore, experiment, and learn. Curiosity and knowledge are companions. The witness of knowledge is ma’rifatullah. The clearest examples of these lessons can be found in the Risale-i Nur Collection by Master Said Nursi.
11-Know Your Worth
Cats do not twist themselves into shapes to be loved. They are as they are. Imitation exhausts a person. Constantly trying to resemble others is a denial of oneself.
12-Do Not Neglect Rest
Cats sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day. Rest is essential for both physical and mental health. Sleep is the time when the brain resets and the body repairs itself. A well-rested person finds their work easier.
The greatest lessons come from the quietest teachers.
Ya Rahîm, Ya Rahîm.
