In a heartwarming example of compassion, Imam Mustafa Efe, the imam of Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Mosque in Üsküdar, Istanbul, became a global symbol of kindness when he opened the mosque’s doors to street cats. His gentle embrace of these animals—allowing them to roam freely even during prayers and sermons—struck a chord not only in Turkey but around the world.
Nicknamed “the cat-friendly imam”, Efe exemplifies how the Islamic faith’s core values of compassion and mercy can manifest in everyday life, even in unexpected places like the pulpit.
Imam Mustafa Efe
A Mosque of Mercy: Cats Welcome in Worship
It all began when mosque-goers captured photos of cats curling up in prayer corners, climbing the pulpit, and even carrying their kittens into the mosque. These images quickly went viral on social media, leading to widespread admiration. International media hailed the photos as “images breaking Islamophobia”, showcasing a softer, more human side of Islamic practice.
Efe’s actions weren’t merely symbolic. “A Muslim is obliged to show compassion to all creatures,” he stated. For him, welcoming cats into the mosque is part of a deeper Islamic responsibility—caring for all of God’s creations.
Cats are ordinary part of the worshippers
Islam’s Long Tradition of Animal Kindness
Imam Efe reminds us that Islam’s connection to animals is not new:
The Prophet Muhammad famously declared that cats are clean, even saying: “The cat is like a human. What it eats is permissible, and what it drinks is permissible.”
He recounted a Hadith in which a woman was sent to Hell for neglecting a starving cat, while a sinner entered Heaven after giving water to a thirsty dog. Even in military campaigns, like the Conquest of Mecca, the Prophet protected a mother dog and her puppies, redirecting an entire army to avoid disturbing them. These examples, Efe said, demonstrate that compassion is not an accessory to faith, but its essence.
Islam: A Religion of Compassion and Mercy
Message of Imam Mustafa Efe message is clear and resonant: “Compassion and mercy are the smiling face of Islam.”
He points to examples from Ottoman-era mosques where pigeons were fed in courtyards and mentions the historic Migratory Birds Foundation, which cared for wounded birds migrating through the region.
In Efe’s view, showing mercy even to a snake reflects true spiritual maturity. Every creature in this world exists by God’s will, and humans have a moral duty to protect and care for them. This includes animals, plants, and every living being.
Healing Through Kindness: Overcoming Fear
Among those touched by Efe’s approach is Osman Acar, a mosque visitor who had long feared cats due to a childhood trauma. Thanks to his regular visits to the mosque, Acar gradually overcame his fear. “Seeing cats peacefully coexisting with the congregation helped me change,” he said.
Such transformations are part of why Imam Efe’s simple gesture resonates far beyond mosque walls—it becomes a story of healing, empathy, and rediscovering human warmth through faith.
Visiting Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Mosque
Located in the historic district of Üsküdar, the Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Mosque is not only a place of worship but now a global symbol of compassionate faith. Travelers and locals alike visit in hopes of catching a glimpse of the cats and the kind-hearted imam whose story has inspired millions.
