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Imam Opens Mosque’s Doors To Stray Cats To Keep Them Warm
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Imam Opens Mosque’s Doors To Stray Cats To Keep Them Warm

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In Istanbul, Turkey, there’s a mosque where you can pray alongside cats. We’re not kitten you! The Aziz Mahmud Hüdayi Mosque’s imam Mustafa Efe has been letting stray cats in since last year. He wants to keep them warm during the cold winter days.

Efe makes his guests feel exactly like at home. In fact, the felines are so safe and comfy there that one cat even brought her kittens one by one! She placed her fluffballs in the pulpit from where Efe preaches. “The kitty has found the heart of compassion and mercy,” Efe wrote on Facebook.

More info: Facebook (h/t: thedodo)

Image credits: Mustafa Efe

Image credits: İbrahim Düzkalem

Image credits: Navèëd

Image credits: Navèëd

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Image credits: Mustafa Efe

Image credits: Mustafa Efe

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Image credits: Kuzeyin Huysuz Kızı

Image credits: Mustafa Efe (left), Mohammed Matter (right)

 Image credits: Mustafa Efe

Sevimli Misafirlerimiz Ayaklandı…

Posted by Mustafa Efe on Monday, 4 May 2015

 

Image credits: Mustafa Efe

 

 

 

 

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Julija Televičiūtė

Julija Televičiūtė

Author, Community member

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Crazy in love with my sweet rescue pup https://www.instagram.com/rescueshepskybella/

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Julija Televičiūtė

Julija Televičiūtė

Author, Community member

Crazy in love with my sweet rescue pup https://www.instagram.com/rescueshepskybella/

What do you think ?
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YağmurCenanBoyacı
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sixth photograph isn't from Aziz Mahmut Hüdayi Mosque, actually it has taken from Sultanahmet, Blue Mosque, which is in Fatih, European Cost. But Aziz Mahmut Hüdayi Mosque is in Üsküdar, which is in Anatolian (Asian) Cost. In İstanbul, there are many places which are can be used by the cats like a shelter. Especially the universitys' buildings are the most popular places among the cats. For example Beyazıt Campus of İstanbul University, which is the one I graduated from. There is a mosque too near our university, Beyazıt Mosque. There is a saying in Beyazıt Mosque "Buranın delisi, velisi bir de kedisi meşhurdur." [The most famous (meşhur) things in here (buranın): insane (deli), saint (veli) and cat (kedi).]

BoredPanda Staff
Verified
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you Yağmur Cenan Boyacı! We deleted the misleading photograph. Let us know if you spot anything else.

Load More Replies...
DebanjaleeBandyopadhyay
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Show me one like him after those millions of terrorising in the name of religion and he's enough to being our faith back in humanity.

AnoNymous
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A human killing, is a criminal, he can use any excuse, even God, it remains a criminal, it is just that, stop talking about religion or faith when it comes to murderer hiding behind a religion, these people have no faith. look at the Japanese, they took two American nuclear bomb, did they become anti-American? not a single second, just because the army does not represent citizens, same thing with governments. The terrorists, it is the same thing, we're not supposed to find hope when we see these pictures, because there is no relationship between the murderers and the people with the Muslim faith.

Load More Replies...
karenza
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think this is beautiful i personally do not believe in a supreme deity, but metaphorically speaking these kitties are truly in the house of god.

AnneMcDade
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely amazing, thank you for being such an open hearted human being to these fur babies~ <3

HilaryTreece
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cats know it's a sacred space. They probably enjoy the energy and prayers. When I meditate my cats gather. I am thankful for there kindness.

aslı a
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you are right, even if its empty mosques has that quite, neutral energy just like other religious places. Many mosques and churches has cats in istanbul, and they love to be inside.

Load More Replies...
DeanDaniel
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This made me cry :( i wish i could help these kittens like this. what a beautiful person. I know people are like this. i love seeing it

Thomas Victorien
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's great to see people taking care of animals , even more so when it is Muslim people. This shows that they are normal people and not blood-lusting terrorists. I'm gonna show these pictures to some of my friends

2020depr
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cat's are respected in Islam because the Prophet had a soft spot for cats. They say that the "M" marking on their foreheads were made when the Prophet put his fingers and blessed the cat on the forehead

DeborahFreese
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is lovely. My little stray that we've had for 9 years is snuggled next to me in bed right now.

DorothyShea
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mustafa Efe, may our Creator bless you for your kindness to His lesser creatures. The ones who need our help in being safe and well in a difficult world. You have a beautiful House of Worship. I am Christian, and love all animals. Thank you for sharing these delightful pictures.

Annika
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so sweet! Omg, can't you have some heart? Yagmur Cenan Boyaci

DianaHockley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that's wonderful! :) I'm sure they have litter trays around the place.

LittleHedgehog
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww, that's so great. Although I think it's a great and amazing idea, will people who are allergic to cats still be able to worship there?

UmutKazdal
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Allergies to animals (especially cats and dogs) are pretty rare in Turkey so that will almost never be a problem.

Load More Replies...
Elisa Ballou
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is there a fund to help get all the strays spayed or neutered?

Gem Gems
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please spay/ neuter them to prevent further kittens and unwanted FIV/ illnesses. 🙌

Purnima Chandra
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i was looking for some hope on the planet and reached here...this is true Islam...respect

Laura Lynn
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is WONDERFUL! There need to be more men like this in this world! May God bless them for carrying for the smallest of God's creatures.

Sat Kaur
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful....if only we could all love eachother like this ?? mankind still has bit further to go unfortuantly...i`m hopeful

HerbertNenenger
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi

MPaulaWhelan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can there be any doubt that the love of cats brings us together?

TommyWardlaw
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZnElkJpv0Q&feature=youtu.beI&app=desktop

CessiMitrani
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

additional video on this issue https://twitter.com/jumuah/status/688013446634455041

ÇağlaTurhan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ne muhteşem bir haber ve görüntü. Sizin gibi insanlara ihtiyacı var bu güzel ülkenin...

Luyen Dao
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know, i do think this is lovely - the imam seems like a warm person. I personally find it hypocritical (and no fault of this imam) that women aren't allowed in, but cats are.

RoikoLatte
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Now they're also radicalizing americas pets to do thier evil deeds

TomaszEnder
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

It's cute and nice of him, untill they pee over the entire mosque xD. But whatever, I'm not the one staying there :P.

VivianeKatz
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tomasz Ender, being this open to our fellow creatures certainly carries the risk of "accidents". Some people associate animals with filth, others with love. Personally, I'd be delighted to visit or attend an open house at that mosque. During my travels, I enjoy staying staying in accommodations that have animals. For those who don't like animals or have allergies, it's fortunately easy to avoid those places.

Load More Replies...
YağmurCenanBoyacı
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sixth photograph isn't from Aziz Mahmut Hüdayi Mosque, actually it has taken from Sultanahmet, Blue Mosque, which is in Fatih, European Cost. But Aziz Mahmut Hüdayi Mosque is in Üsküdar, which is in Anatolian (Asian) Cost. In İstanbul, there are many places which are can be used by the cats like a shelter. Especially the universitys' buildings are the most popular places among the cats. For example Beyazıt Campus of İstanbul University, which is the one I graduated from. There is a mosque too near our university, Beyazıt Mosque. There is a saying in Beyazıt Mosque "Buranın delisi, velisi bir de kedisi meşhurdur." [The most famous (meşhur) things in here (buranın): insane (deli), saint (veli) and cat (kedi).]

BoredPanda Staff
Verified
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you Yağmur Cenan Boyacı! We deleted the misleading photograph. Let us know if you spot anything else.

Load More Replies...
DebanjaleeBandyopadhyay
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Show me one like him after those millions of terrorising in the name of religion and he's enough to being our faith back in humanity.

AnoNymous
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A human killing, is a criminal, he can use any excuse, even God, it remains a criminal, it is just that, stop talking about religion or faith when it comes to murderer hiding behind a religion, these people have no faith. look at the Japanese, they took two American nuclear bomb, did they become anti-American? not a single second, just because the army does not represent citizens, same thing with governments. The terrorists, it is the same thing, we're not supposed to find hope when we see these pictures, because there is no relationship between the murderers and the people with the Muslim faith.

Load More Replies...
karenza
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think this is beautiful i personally do not believe in a supreme deity, but metaphorically speaking these kitties are truly in the house of god.

AnneMcDade
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely amazing, thank you for being such an open hearted human being to these fur babies~ <3

HilaryTreece
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cats know it's a sacred space. They probably enjoy the energy and prayers. When I meditate my cats gather. I am thankful for there kindness.

aslı a
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you are right, even if its empty mosques has that quite, neutral energy just like other religious places. Many mosques and churches has cats in istanbul, and they love to be inside.

Load More Replies...
DeanDaniel
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This made me cry :( i wish i could help these kittens like this. what a beautiful person. I know people are like this. i love seeing it

Thomas Victorien
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's great to see people taking care of animals , even more so when it is Muslim people. This shows that they are normal people and not blood-lusting terrorists. I'm gonna show these pictures to some of my friends

2020depr
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cat's are respected in Islam because the Prophet had a soft spot for cats. They say that the "M" marking on their foreheads were made when the Prophet put his fingers and blessed the cat on the forehead

DeborahFreese
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is lovely. My little stray that we've had for 9 years is snuggled next to me in bed right now.

DorothyShea
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mustafa Efe, may our Creator bless you for your kindness to His lesser creatures. The ones who need our help in being safe and well in a difficult world. You have a beautiful House of Worship. I am Christian, and love all animals. Thank you for sharing these delightful pictures.

Annika
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so sweet! Omg, can't you have some heart? Yagmur Cenan Boyaci

DianaHockley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that's wonderful! :) I'm sure they have litter trays around the place.

LittleHedgehog
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww, that's so great. Although I think it's a great and amazing idea, will people who are allergic to cats still be able to worship there?

UmutKazdal
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Allergies to animals (especially cats and dogs) are pretty rare in Turkey so that will almost never be a problem.

Load More Replies...
Elisa Ballou
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is there a fund to help get all the strays spayed or neutered?

Gem Gems
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please spay/ neuter them to prevent further kittens and unwanted FIV/ illnesses. 🙌

Purnima Chandra
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i was looking for some hope on the planet and reached here...this is true Islam...respect

Laura Lynn
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is WONDERFUL! There need to be more men like this in this world! May God bless them for carrying for the smallest of God's creatures.

Sat Kaur
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful....if only we could all love eachother like this ?? mankind still has bit further to go unfortuantly...i`m hopeful

HerbertNenenger
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mahatma Gandhi

MPaulaWhelan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can there be any doubt that the love of cats brings us together?

TommyWardlaw
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZnElkJpv0Q&feature=youtu.beI&app=desktop

CessiMitrani
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

additional video on this issue https://twitter.com/jumuah/status/688013446634455041

ÇağlaTurhan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ne muhteşem bir haber ve görüntü. Sizin gibi insanlara ihtiyacı var bu güzel ülkenin...

Luyen Dao
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know, i do think this is lovely - the imam seems like a warm person. I personally find it hypocritical (and no fault of this imam) that women aren't allowed in, but cats are.

RoikoLatte
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Now they're also radicalizing americas pets to do thier evil deeds

TomaszEnder
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

It's cute and nice of him, untill they pee over the entire mosque xD. But whatever, I'm not the one staying there :P.

VivianeKatz
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tomasz Ender, being this open to our fellow creatures certainly carries the risk of "accidents". Some people associate animals with filth, others with love. Personally, I'd be delighted to visit or attend an open house at that mosque. During my travels, I enjoy staying staying in accommodations that have animals. For those who don't like animals or have allergies, it's fortunately easy to avoid those places.

Load More Replies...
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