The Stingy Family’s Cat

The cat’s two kittens were hungry and kept meowing loudly, making their mother very anxious. The mother cat herself was very hungry. She lived in a house where the owners were extremely frugal—some might even say miserly. They were so stingy that they would not give the cat any food.

The poor cat had to go to neighboring houses to steal or scavenge leftover scraps to feed herself and her kittens. She was waiting for her kittens to grow up so that she could move them to a place where food was more readily available. Everyone in the neighborhood knew about the stinginess of the family she lived with.

The household’s miserliness was so extreme that even if Abu Hurairah’s hungry cat were to visit, they would not offer a drop of milk. And if the hungry dog of Ashab-e-Kahf (the Companions of the Cave) appeared at their door, they would not give it even a single piece of bread. This is why people like Qarun, despite their wealth, are remembered negatively for their stinginess, whereas Hatim Tai is remembered for his generosity.

The hungry mother cat comforted her kittens and said, “Be patient, children. Morning will come, and Allah provides for everyone. He will provide for us too.”

One kitten said, “Mom, I want to eat meat!”

The other said, “Yes, I also want to eat meat today!”

The mother cat decided to check what was cooking in the house. She left the small loft on the roof and warned her kittens, “Do not go outside, and do not make any noise. If the mistress finds out, she will catch you and throw you away.” The kittens, frightened, quietly huddled in a corner.

It was around nine in the morning, and it was cold. The sun had risen, but the mistress was still lying in bed under the quilt. Her husband returned with meat and vegetables, assuming his wife had already prepared breakfast. Seeing her still in bed, he became furious.

“Why are you still lying in bed? Who will make breakfast now?” he shouted.

“I have a severe headache. I make breakfast every day. Today you make it yourself,” she replied from under the quilt.

“I brought the meat and bottle gourd. I will cook it,” he said.

“I have a splitting headache. I cannot get up. Don’t worry about the meat; just throw it out. Order food from the hotel if you want. Don’t bother me,” the wife yelled

The husband was hungry, and hunger makes the mind impatient. In anger, he took the bag of meat from the shopping and threw it into the courtyard, then stormed out of the house.

The cat had been watching everything. She grabbed the bag of meat in her mouth and ran away. For the first time in many days, the mother and her kittens enjoyed a hearty meal. They thanked Allah and prayed that the stingy mistress and master would continue to quarrel like this, so they could have such opportunities again.

Advice

Life is full of challenges, but the way you respond determines your growth. Always be honest with yourself and others, because integrity builds trust and respect. Learn from your mistakes rather than fearing them, and never hesitate to seek knowledge or advice. Treat everyone with kindness, even when it is difficult, because small acts of compassion create lasting impacts. Stay patient during tough times, and remember that persistence often leads to success. Avoid comparing yourself to others; focus on your own journey. Most importantly, take care of your mind and body, as balance is the key to a happy life.