BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated Abdullah bin Umar
Allah’s Apostle said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfil his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection. “
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 43, Number 622
The title of the swiftest cat is often bestowed upon the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), a magnificent big cat native to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Iran.
Cheetahs are built for speed, with a slender, aerodynamic body, long legs, and a lightweight frame. Their acceleration and top speed are facilitated by specialized adaptations, including large nasal passages for efficient oxygen intake and a flexible spine that allows for elongated strides during the chase. The cheetah’s claws are semi-retractable, providing extra grip on the ground like the cleats of a sprinter’s shoes.
The remarkable speed of a cheetah is most evident in short bursts during a high-speed chase, primarily when hunting prey. They can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 kilometres per hour) in just a few seconds, covering distances of up to 500 metres. Some estimates suggest that cheetahs can reach speeds closer to 70 miles per hour (113 kilometres per hour) under optimal conditions. However, such intense bursts of speed come at a cost, as cheetahs tire quickly and need time to recover after a chase.
Cheetahs are not only the swiftest land animals but also exhibit remarkable agility and precision in their movements. Their keen eyesight helps them spot potential prey from a distance, and their acceleration is a result of well-coordinated muscular movements. The chase itself is a breathtaking display of speed and cunning as the cheetah strategically manoeuvres to close in on its target.
Despite being the epitome of speed in the animal kingdom, cheetahs face numerous challenges, including habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of these incredible creatures, allowing future generations to witness the breathtaking swiftness of the cheetah in the wild.