The Algerian government hosted a special celebratory reception for Imam Walid who went viral across the world for his act of kindness with the cat.
Imam Walid was leading the Taraweeh prayers when the cat jumped on him. Instead of hushing the cat away, Imam caressed the cat. His act of showing kindness and affection to the cat made waves globally. Imam continued to lead the Taraweeh prayers despite the cat jumping on him. He caressed the cat with his hand as seen in the live broadcast of the prayers.
The viral video gave him fame overnight. His video appeared on the leading global media outlets garnering him praise and appreciation from both the Muslim and Non-Muslim communities.
Imam has been identified as Walid Mehdas from Algeria. Later, the Algerian government hosted a special reception for Imam Walid. Minister of Religious Affairs in Algeria, Dr. Youssaf Belmahdi hosted the reception for Imam Walid and commended him for his act of kindness.
Social media users believe Imam Walid showed a peaceful and original face of Islam to the world. His act will help alter negative stereotypes associated with Islam globally. Non-Muslim communities will get to see a positive side of Muslims.
Read more: Islamic world should be united against Israel’s attacks in Palestine: Turkish President
In another development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the world Muslim leaders to be united against Israel’s onslaught against Palestine. The Islamic world should be united against Israel’s attacks in Palestine, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Iranian counterpart on Friday.
Erdogan and Ebrahim Raisi spoke over the phone and discussed Türkiye-Iran relations and regional issues, including Israeli attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied East Jerusalem, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said in a statement.
Emphasizing that common sense should prevail to prevent a new spiral of violence, Erdogan said that it would be beneficial to take initiatives to guide all parties to common sense.