Hosting an Uninvited Guest

Kobra Babaii

About Imam Khomeini(ra)'s kindness, many interesting accounts have been narrated by his family members, friends and in fact by everybody who has had contacts with him. A close relative of his, Mrs. Zahra Ishraqi has said: “One day we were having lunch together with Imam Khomeini(ra) when suddenly a cat appeared in the yard, came to the door of the room and stared at us. Certainly the cat wanted to be given a share of the food we were eating, because that day the food we had for lunch contained some meat and obviously the smell of the meat had increased the appetite of the already hungry cat. The Imam (ra) looked at the cat kindly, smiled and then threw a piece of meat from his own plate for it. The cat jumped and ate it with great appetite, but did not leave the place and continued to look at us quite curiously. I suggested that we had better close the door of the room not to be disturbed by the cat. But Imam Khomeini said, “No, we do not need to close the door.”  Then he threw another piece of meat for the cat that of course did not refuse the nice food and who after having had that, continued to stare at us. Then Imam repeated the same act of kindness until no meat was left in his plate. I said, “Our dear father! You gave your own food to the cat.” Imam smiled and said, “These animals feel hungry just as human beings feel it. It would be a failure on our part if we do not feed them.”

Now, after several years, we still remember such kind behaviour and every time I see a cat waiting to be fed, I am reminded of that cat’s satisfied look.”  May Allah bless Imam Khomeini(ra), the great symbol of Divine love, compassion, benevolence and wisdom. And may Allah help us be kind and compassionate to His creatures just as Imam Khomeini(ra) has taught us.