Cat climbing on Algerian imam’ shoulder: Moroccans appropriate video that made global buzz
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Following the global buzz created by the video of the cat climbing on an Algerian imam, Moroccans are seeking to appropriate the two-minute-long video.
Internet users from Morocco have launched a new controversial round. This time, it’s not about heritage, but rather about a sequence. Moroccans are trying to appropriate the video of the cat climbing on the shoulder of an Algerian imam in a mosque.
The journalist, Kada Benamar, brought the details related to this case in his television program on Echorouk News TV. The Algerian host reported a new controversy launched by Moroccans on social networks. According to his revelations, the latter posted the video in question, claiming that it was a Moroccan imam.
Such claims are implausible, since it was the imam himself posted the video on social networks. The latter presented himself as the imam of the mosque of Abou Bakr Essedik in the wilaya of Bordj Bou Arréridj, in northern Algeria.
Global buzz for video of calico cat jumping on imam in Algeria, especially from non-Muslims
A live broadcast showed a heartwarming moment of a cat jumping, on April 3, onto Sheikh Walid Mehsas during Ramadan Taraweeh prayer, a nightly prayer occurring every evening during the month of Ramadan,
The video, shared by media outlets and on social media, showed the feline friend wandering around the Sheikh before hopping onto him. Despite the unexpected interruption, Imam Mahyas, unbothered, continued to lead the prayer . Unfazed, Mehsas gave the adorable cat a gentle pat, much to the delight of those in attendance.
Following the stroking, the cat settled on the Imam’ shoulders for a few seconds before jumping off again.
In response to the video, internet users commended the imam for his warm and kind-hearted response to the unexpected guest.
He was also praised for his composure.
@thenationalnews During a live broadcast in Algeria, a cat jumped on an imam reciting a Ramadan prayer. #Ramadan #Algeria
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The video went viral on social media as it reached unbelievable records of views in a very short time. On YouTube, it received more than a billion views in the first 24 hours.
In addition, this story was relayed by several international channels, like the American antenna CNN.
On the Sky News YouTube Channel, the video has so far registered more than six million views.
On their official Instagram accounts, the foreign media channels broadcast the video and the reactions were positive, especially from non-Muslims.
“Islam is peaceful. It’s showing true to the nation. Much love,” one commented on the BBC News Instagram account.
Another commented: “I don’t know about the religion, but this man probably has a nice spirit. I believe in animal behaviour, and cats are extremely honest.”
The third commented: “Islam is a religion often associated with violence, but in reality, it is a religion of peace and mercy. Islam promotes compassion, forgiveness and understanding towards others. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, teaches Muslims to seek peace and be merciful to all living beings, including animals.”
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