The Stray Cat at the Masjid Door

Miso appeared at the masjid door on a rainy Friday, fur speckled and paws muddy. Children named her after the sound she made, soft and questioning. The imam said, "We will not chase her. We will care for her kindly."

Families took turns leaving water and halal scraps. Omar built a small house from a box lined with towels. Auntie Lina knitted a collar with a tag that read, "Masjid guest."

Miso learned the rhythm of salah. She sat quietly during khutbah and stretched in sunbeams afterward. Visitors who felt nervous about mosques often smiled when she bumped their ankles in greeting.

One winter night, Miso scratched gently until a volunteer found her shivering. They moved her bed inside the storage closet with ventilation and warmth. Children drew get-well cards with whiskers.

Miso recovered and returned to her post by the door. The community had grown friendlier, not only to a cat, but to one another. Compassion, the children learned, has paws and patience, and sometimes it purrs.