A Cat of Cordoba: The Gentleman Series

“I think we still must build a new drainage system in the northern territory. Numerous new settlements, mosques, and libraries are being erected in Tulaytulah. Besides, the Caliph is hoping to see that we have a strong defence in the northern border with The Kingdom of Leon. Knowing that now they have a powerful king, we should take into consideration that they can raid the city anytime in the future unless we have reliable forces to defend the border.” Said the Gentleman.

“You’re right, my brother. Moreover, the flourishing civilisation here in Andalus attracts so many people from foreign soils to come as well. They come for different reasons. Most of them want to study and learn in our libraries and schools. They are interested in our expertise in applied sciences and technologies. The other thing is our caliphate guarantees every citizen to practice their religion. Muslims, Christians, and Jewish people live side by side in the name of respect, forming a thriving society from which other civilisations can take an example. We here are to reach our common goals, peace and prosperity.” Jafar added.

“Masha Allah, this is incredible. I feel grateful because Allah blesses this nation and its people. May the caliphate be glorious for eternity.”

“May Allah hear and grant your prayer”

One day in the 10th century AD, the sun shone so brightly. The light delivered its warmth to all mankind living in opulence. This was not just about that peaceful warmth. This was the symbolism of the glorious Islamic rule at that period. That sunray was reflected by the greatness of majestic walls, layered by precious ceramics and calligraphies, that surrounded the city of Qurtuba, the capital of the Caliphate of Cordoba. Great desire and passion for science and technology development filled the atmosphere. Art and culture from the Middle East and North Africa were assimilated with local traditions. Islam brought them together. Qurtuba was a place where the greatest minds met each other and work together in harmony. The Gentleman, one of many trusted architects and urban planners, and his colleague, Jafar, were among them. These two men were assigned to develop Tulaytulah, now known as Toledo.

“How are your wife and children, Jafar? It has been a long time I haven’t seen them. Usually, after Friday prayer, they came to you and brought you some foods.” Asked the Gentleman.

“Oh, they are safe and sound. Humaira currently is active in a culture house, alongside other art enthusiasts who are mostly wives. She is so ecstatic in making new art pieces, especially poetries. It always makes her happy. I don’t mind at all if she and the kids cannot be here. However, she said earlier that she would like to pay a visit next week. And the kids, well, I forbid them to come without their mother accompanying them. In the past days, they spent most of their times with their grandfather in the mosque to memorise Quran. Being well-known Quran reciters always be their greatest dream.”

“All praise to Allah, I am so glad to hear that,” said the Gentleman.

“How about you, my brother? Don’t you have any plan to raise a family? For sure, I would be glad if you can feel the same happiness as me”

“Haha, that question again. This is like a ghost to me who can emerge from nothing, without expecting it any single bit”

“I apologise if my question bothers you. I just wanted to know. And as your closest friend, I am hoping to help you if you want me to do so.”

“Please don’t mind. I do not feel upset and I completely understand. In fact, I thank you for your concern. This family thing, ugh, does seem so simple. But, I believe that is not the case.”

“So, what’s the issue? Isn’t there any women in Qurtuba attracts your heart?” Jafar joked around.

“Haha, what a joke! Absolutely, that is not the problem. I am just thinking that now is not the right time. You have known me so well after working together on many projects. You understand that in this time, my mind is solely focused on the caliphate and its people. So, most of my time was spent behind my desk and pieces of paper. I want this nation and its civilisation shine for thousand years”

The Gentleman did not tell the true reason. He simply did not want to lose his beloved ones anymore.

“I do understand. We have a mutual dream. With Allah’s permission, what we have done shall be remembered in the mankind history” Jafar replied.

The last line was scratched. The new city plan was completed. The Gentleman and Jafar would give a presentation to the governor and the rest of his officers. If the plan was agreed, the building of new settlements and other buildings would be carried out as soon as possible.

After wrapping those books and papyrus papers up, they left their working space. The sun started going down from the top of the blue sky, indicating Ashr prayer time arrived in a moment. As a routine, they went to the nearest mosque before going home. When walking down the central garden, the Gentleman saw a cat from far. He took some steps, trying to approach that white-furred cat. He did not expect it would get near to him as well, but that happened. There was no need to be an expert with the cleverest brain in the entire world just to discover that the cat seemed to starve.

“Jafar, do you bring something to feed this white fellow? The Gentleman asked Jafar.

“I don’t bring any food, but soon I remember that I left a piece of bread on my desk.”

“Awesome!” The Gentleman in jubilation.

“Do you intend to take my bread and feed it to this cat? Because I use to feed the same bread to my cat at home.”

“Perhaps we should try. I will be right back”

The Gentleman returned to their working room. He looked at the top of Jafar’s desk. He could see something wrapped. Without wasting time, he checked it out. He opened the brown wrap and found a piece of bread. His right hand handled it and he rushed back into the garden.

“I got it” the Gentleman shouted.

The Gentleman tore a small piece of that bread. He wanted to ensure first whether the cat was tempted to take it. He placed the piece on the floor. It started to draw its nose closer and sniffed. It ate the bread.

“As I thought, the cat would eat the bread,” Jafar said.

That small piece seemed not enough to alleviate its hunger.

“Perhaps, I should try to give a bigger piece than the previous one. Looks like this cat hasn’t had something to eat all day.” The Gentleman expressed his idea.

He measured how large the piece of bread he would feed the cat. Using his palm, the Gentleman tore a half portion of Jafar’s bread.

The cat sniffed once again. But, rather than it devoured that piece of bread, it soon grabbed that by its mouth and rushed leaving the central garden.

“Just leave it! You know cats always behave like that” Jafar told the Gentleman.

“What an ungrateful cat! Haha…” The Gentleman tried to make fun out of it.

“I hope that is sufficient for that cat.” Jafar prayed.

They moved their legs, resuming their walk. Occasionally, they enjoyed a large fish pond and feed fish living in it while walking on their feet into the mosque.

When arrived home, the Gentleman remembered the cat. Thus, he thought to save some portion of a fish dish he had for dinner and then gave it to the cat tomorrow.

On the next day, the Gentleman and Jafar continued to discuss their latest project. The Governor had asked them to conduct a presentation in two days. All required preparations became their focus on that day.

“There’s something bothering my mind. A representative of city government has stated that all materials we need will come from Anatolia, but this morning before you were here, I received a message that those will be imported from Baghdad” Jafar expressed his confusion.

“I think it is better for us not to focus on that matter. I believe Ibn Waqash will take care of them. Besides, he was the one who handled building materials purchase when there was a development at the Caliph Palace. I am confident he won’t burden us with things which are not our main task.” The Gentleman tried to comfort his friend.

“Yes, you are right. Then, do you think that the construction of a new mosque in Tulaytullah can be completed in 25 years period?” Jafar asked.

“About that, it depends on how many workers we’ll employ. We are not sure if the government will count on workers who already reside in Qurtuba. Or, they will bring additional labourers from another city, such as Kahire. Some friends told me that although they may be skilled labourers, they cannot blend in with locals. There is also an issue related their wage. They demand different rates compared to how much previous workers earned. I don’t know how much dinars our government would like to spend”

“Yes, I agree. It is reasonable that our leaders think all possibilities, even though it is so much unlikely. We don’t want any disintegration issue to come back and haunt us like in the past and torture our unity as one people.”

That discussion took a quite long time. Some fellow architects and government representatives also joined the conversation, contributing to a longer session.

“I think this is brilliant. I am sure the Caliph will approve your proposal.” Hasan, one of government representatives attending the meeting, suggested.

“Insha Allah, this is the best we can give.” Ali, a fellow architect, responded.

The meeting finally ended. Those noble men shook hand and greeted each other as they were leaving.

“You are not going home?” Jafar inquired the Gentleman.

“It seems I will come home in a couple minutes. There is something I want to do first. I am sorry I cannot come with you.” The Gentleman replied.

“Hmm, no worries. All good. Wassalamu’alaikum, brother!”

“Wa’alaikumussalam, see you tomorrow!”

The Gentleman was still firm on his intention he had in his head. He headed to the central garden, wishing he could find the white cat. But, it wasn’t there. He continued to search at the south hallway which was adjacent to the garden. The cat was nowhere to be seen. Without pushing himself, he sat on a bench nearby for a while. He placed a wrapped fish beside him. Not long after, he could hear a noise coming from bushes of red carnation. The cat appeared and came near to him.

“Hi, my little friend! This time, I bring you some food.” The Gentleman greeted the cat while reaching out his fish. Then, he placed it on the floor so the cat could recognise it.

The cat sniffed and eventually recognised that smelly fish. It took a bite but did not swallow it. It behaved similarly like a day before. The cat grabbed the food by its mouth and ran away. To cure his curiosity, the Gentleman followed it with keeping their distance. The cat walked fast enough, leaving the south hallway towards outside the building.

“Where is it really going…?”

The cat arrived in a building corner. It was pretty much isolated. There were some bushes and flowers as ornamental plants decorating the library. The Gentleman could hardly hear kittens’ voices. The white cat fed its four baby kittens with the fish. They fought for it. The mother licked their fur one by one.

The Gentleman who previously was observing them from a distance, now trying to come closer. Those kittens were aware of his presence, suddenly looked anxious and stayed away. The white cat acted differently. It approached the Gentleman then rubbed his head and body towards him. The Gentleman pet it gently. Meanwhile, the four kittens enjoyed eating the fish. Two of them began to get near to the Gentleman cautiously.

At least, the Gentleman knew that the white cat he met accidentally was just a living creature trying to feed its family.

“At the beginning, I did not know you alone took care of your tiny and thin kittens. I feel sorry, in this beautiful and wealthy nation, I can still found His creatures drown in suffering and starvation. Indeed, prosperity shall be right for all creatures and nature. Perhaps, humankind is too busy with their worldly affairs. Humans have forgotten their duty Allah has given: to preserve the world and everything in it. Perhaps, this is how Allah admonishes me to be better at caring for my surroundings. May Allah bless you, your children, and the food I feed you. Tomorrow, I promise to take you to my house. You should no longer worry about a shelter or foods. I will treat you with compassion.” The Gentleman contemplated while staring at the white cat.

He left the library and went to the mosque afterwards.

On the next afternoon, the Gentleman and Jafar went home together again. That time, the Gentleman brought a box complemented by layers of fabric in it. It would be utilised for taking the white cat and four kittens to his home.

“Are you sure to nurse them at your house?” Jafar asked him.

“Of course. Insha Allah, this is the best for them. And for sure, they will accompany me in my spare time.” He answered confidently.

“Hmm, alright. I guess you can train yourself to be a good father for those kittens.” Jafar made fun of his colleague. They both laughed.

They parted at the main gate while cheering each other for their upcoming presentation. On his way home, a word popped up in the Gentleman’s mind. He wanted to name his new cat, Mueeza….


-Fin-