Source: Al Yateema His name is Ghassan Younis, but the people of Jerusalem call him “Abu Huraira”, which is Arabic for “Father of Kittens”. Mr Younis has been caring for and feeding the cats surrounding Masjid Al Aqsa for over thirty years and has gained a reputation for his generosity. He has also been known for his kindness towards the local residents, in particular the children. In an interview, he stated that he was inspired by the original Abu Huraira, otherwise known as Abdul Rahman Ibn Sakhir, the great companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This companion had also developed a reputation for his fondness and kindness towards cats. As Muslims, it is important to never belittle any good deed towards any of the creatures of Allah. This is in fact a virtuous actions as illustrated by the below narration.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “While a man was walking on a road. he became very thirsty. He came across a well, got down into it, drank (of its water) and then came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. The man said to himself, “This dog is suffering from the same state of thirst as I did.” So he went down the well (again) and filled his shoe (with water) and held it in his mouth and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He said, “(Yes) there is a reward for serving any animate (living being).”

Bukhari; Muslim

It is no doubt an honour for Mr Younis to serve these kittens and even more so on a land that Allah has surely blessed.
“Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al- Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed,” Quran 17:1

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