Remembering Luqman: A Gentle Legacy of Love & Strays

Whiskers in the Wind – A Tribute to Luqman

Luqman, the beloved resident cat of Nimanja Gadong, passed away peacefully on Tuesday night. Once a stray, he found his forever home at the pet shop, where he became more than just a mascot — he became a symbol of compassion and quiet companionship. His presence inspired other Nimanja outlets to open their hearts to strays too.

Luqman lived a gentle, contented life, surrounded by warmth and affection. Customers regularly brought him food and treats and he was always happy to receive a scratch or a quiet hello. For me, every trip to Gadong felt incomplete without stopping by to see him.

I visited on Wednesday morning, hoping to see his familiar face and offer him my usual chin scratches, only to be told he had passed the night before. I knew he was getting older and had been preparing myself for this inevitable day — but the sadness still hit hard.

I’m grateful I managed to see him one last time the Friday before, to say hi and give him a gentle scratch under the chin. It was as if he knew.

Damit, his younger companion, is visibly grieving. Animals mourn too — their bonds and losses are just as real.

Thank you to his human carers at Nimanja for loving and caring for him all these years, and for sharing the photo used in this post. Luqman was deeply cherished, and it’s because of all of you that he lived a life of comfort, dignity and peace.

Al-Fatihah, Luqman.

You were more than a shop cat. You were a guardian of gentle moments and you will be missed dearly.