Mohammed was okay with Gays

It is related that one of the Prophet's companions, Abu Huraira, went to the Prophet, saying that he was a "young male" who "feared torment for his soul," but that he "did not find the wherewithal to marry a woman" . The Prophet remained silent, even after Abu Huraira repeated his statement three times. Finally after the fourth time, Muhammad said: "O Abu Huraira, the pen is dry regarding what is befitting for you. So be a eunuch for that reason or leave it alone." (Bukhari, LXII 8). (For comparison, consider that when Uthman came to Muhammad asking if he could be permitted to live a life of abstinence, he was rebuffed.)

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If Abu Huraira's statement meant he lacked potency with women, then obviously he could not be fearing the temptation to adultery with women. In that case, only passive homosexuality was a danger. However, if he would not ever marry a woman, due to impotency with women or for any other reason, then he would not be acting as a male, but rather as a eunuch, in which case passive homosexuality would not be forbidden for him. But Muhammad cautions him that his identity, either as a eunuch or as a male, has already been determined by his Creator ("the pen is dried"), and he must figure it out which it is and live his life accordingly. If he ever intends to have sex with a woman (i.e. act as a male), then he must avoid passive homosexuality and get married.

http://www.well.com/user/aquarius/Qurannotes.htm

To make sure we all get the subtle humor, Abu Huraira was known as the "Father of Kittens" or "Kitty Man" ;) He is also the most quoted companion in the Hadith (I think).

According to legend had a small kitten whom he would carry around in the sleeves of his coat.

So they nicknamed "Father of the small Cat"

Most authentic Hadith, IIRC, Comes from Aiasha (May Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the prophet(saw). Of whom the prophet said, "From her you will learn a third of your faith".

Muhammad also said that Islam was meant to be a soft thing. A forgiving, comfortable, tolerant belief. Not hard, unyeilding and intolerant.

I've heard the story of his pet kitten referred to as a "legend" - is this story in Quran or Hadith? Is it related in some other writing? I know next to nothing about Islam, so please forgive my ignorance.

and I have read my translation of the Qur'an more than once. "Hadith" means sayings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). There are many legends and stories of other Muslims (I know a lot of Sufi stories, for example), and I am sure that this one is one of them.

or it's part of the Hadith, the collected Sayings, doings, etc of the Prophet. I think it may be folklore. I'm pretty sure it's not in the Quran. :)

It was related to me, as is so much, by another Brother or Sister more knowledgeble in such matters, when they learned of my love of cats.

I've looked around a bit to see how authentic the story is. Here is a link.

http://www.islam.org.au/articles/16/hurairah.htm


"This great gift that Abu-Huraira enjoyed could have been the worst thing that could have happened to him as some people used his well known and authentic name to make up false Ahadith about our beloved Prophet, and link these false Ahadith to Abu Huraira (r.a.a). However, through hard and sincere efforts put in by some of the pious scholars who sacrificed their lives to preserve and save our beloved Prophet's Ahadith (sayings) and save them from any harm by the enemies of Islam who tried to mislead Muslims by adding to them thing that were never said by the Prophet of Allah (s.w.t), Abu Huraira's reputation was saved from their wrong doing until our present day.

Abu Huraira became a Muslim at the hands of At-Tufayl Ibn Amr who was the chief of the tribe to which he belonged. When he submitted to the truthfulness of this religion, he accompanied At-Tufayl to Makkah and had the privilege of meeting the noble Prophet (s.a.w.). The Prophet (s.a.w) asked Abu Huraira what his name was, "Abdu-Shams" (the servant of the sun), Abu Huraira replied. So he was introduced by the holy Prophet (s.a.w) to change his name to "Abdur-Rahman" (the servant of the Beneficent). However, he continued to be known among people as "Abu Hurrah" (the kitten's father) because of his love for a cat he looked after and fed, and which used to stick to him wherever he went."

Hope that helps a bit :) Happy Holidays and Peace to everyone