What Islam Says About Muslims and Dogs: Clarifying the Misconceptions

The relationship between a Muslim and dogs is often surrounded by misconceptions, especially regarding the notion of impurity. It is crucial to differentiate between cultural beliefs and authentic Islamic teachings derived from the Qur’an and Hadith.

Are Dogs Impure in Islam?

While Islamic jurisprudence acknowledges certain rulings related to dogs, it does not classify the entire animal as inherently impure in a general or absolute sense.

The Concept of Impurity (Najasah)

To understand the Muslim and dogs relationship in Islam it is essential to understand the meaning of impurity in Islam.

Islam classifies impurities in various categories. According to the majority of Islamic scholars (Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali), the saliva of the dog is considered najis (impure), not the dog itself. This ruling is based on the well-known Hadith reported in Sahih Muslim:

“The purification of the utensil belonging to any one of you, after it has been licked by a dog, is to wash it seven times, the first of them with soil.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Hadith 279)

This Hadith indicates the need for cleanliness, particularly in matters related to food and utensils, which aligns with Islam’s strong emphasis on hygiene. It does not suggest that dogs themselves are universally impure or evil.

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The Dog in the Quran: Not an Impure Creation

The Qur’an does not refer to dogs as impure creatures. In fact, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah mentions the story of the righteous young men and their dog:

“And you would have thought them awake, while they were asleep. And We turned them to the right and to the left, while their dog stretched his forelegs at the entrance.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:18)

This verse illustrates that the dog was in the company of noble believers and was not excluded or portrayed as impure. This directly challenges the misconception that Islam promotes a negative view of Muslim and dogs in all contexts. you could also learn about Muslims and cats from an Islamic perspective.

Service Dogs and Exceptions in Shariah

From an Islamic legal perspective, there are guidelines on how a Muslim and dogs may interact, especially in matters involving ritual purity (taharah). For instance, dogs are allowed for specific purposes, such as:

• Hunting (as mentioned in Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:4)
• Guarding property or livestock

“They ask you, [O Muhammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, ‘Lawful for you are [all] good foods and [game caught by] what you have trained of hunting animals which you train as Allah has taught you. So eat of what they catch for you and mention the name of Allah upon it.’”(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:4)

These allowances highlight that dogs serve valid, even valuable roles in the lives of Muslims when used appropriately and responsibly.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) View on Dogs

The perspective of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding animals, including dogs, is rooted in compassion, justice, and practicality.

While Islamic legal rulings provide guidelines for interactions between Muslim and dogs, it is essential to explore how the Prophet (PBUH) personally spoke about and treated dogs. His statements and actions offer a balanced view that reflects Islam’s mercy toward all creatures.

Muslim and dogs: The Prophet (PBUH) Recognized Dogs as Part of Allah’s Creation

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) acknowledged the functional roles dogs play in human life. In several authentic Hadiths, he permitted the use of dogs for hunting, herding, and guarding. These permissions are not only lawful but also encouraged when there is a practical need.

“Whoever keeps a dog, except a dog for herding livestock or a dog for hunting, his reward will decrease every day by one qirat.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2322; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1574)

This Hadith is often misinterpreted to imply that keeping dogs is prohibited. However, a closer look reveals that it refers to unnecessary ownership, especially when dogs are kept purely for leisure in a way that might lead to neglect of religious duties.

The emphasis is on prioritizing spiritual responsibilities while acknowledging the need for dogs in functional roles.

A Hadith on Mercy Toward a Dog

One of the most profound teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) regarding Muslim and dogs is found in a narration that emphasizes kindness and divine reward:

“A man saw a dog eating mud from the intensity of thirst. So the man took his shoe, filled it with water, and gave the dog a drink. So Allah appreciated his deed and forgave him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2363; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2244)

This narration highlights that mercy toward animals, including dogs, is a deed beloved to Allah. It directly challenges the misconception that dogs are to be mistreated or avoided. On the contrary, Islam teaches that caring for any of Allah’s creatures is a sign of righteousness.

Can Muslims Keep Dogs as Pets?

The question “Can Muslims keep dogs as pets?” is one of the most commonly misunderstood topics when discussing the relationship between a Muslim and dogs.

While Islam does not promote unnecessary ownership of dogs within the home, it does not prohibit keeping dogs altogether. The key lies in the purpose, context, and adherence to the principles of cleanliness and necessity as outlined in Islamic jurisprudence. you could also learn about the fiqh meaning and why it matters.

Muslim and dogs: Permissible Reasons for Keeping Dogs in Islam

According to authentic Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) permitted the keeping of dogs for specific beneficial purposes. These include:

• Guarding property and livestock
• Hunting
• Farming

“Whoever keeps a dog, except a dog for herding livestock or a dog for hunting or a dog for guarding the fields, his reward will decrease by two qirats every day.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1575)

This Hadith shows that while owning dogs is not inherently sinful, keeping them without a valid reason may result in reduced rewards due to potential negligence of religious duties or impurity concerns. However, it also clearly defines that ownership is permissible for valid purposes.

Muslim and Dogs: Can Dogs Be Kept Indoors?

Islamic scholars differ on whether dogs can be kept inside the home as household pets. The majority view—particularly within the Shafi’i, Hanbali, and Hanafi schools—discourages keeping dogs indoors due to concerns over cleanliness, especially their saliva, which is considered najis (impure).

If a dog licks a utensil, it must be washed seven times, one of which should be with soil, as mentioned in the Hadith:

“If a dog licks the vessel of any one of you, let him throw away whatever was in it and wash it seven times.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 279)

However, the Maliki school offers a more flexible view, arguing that the dog itself is not impure, only its saliva—and even then, only in limited contexts. This view allows some space for domesticated dogs in Muslim households, especially when cleanliness is properly maintained.

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Conclusion

So, can Muslims keep dogs as pets? The answer depends on purpose and adherence to Islamic guidelines. Islam does not prohibit keeping dogs, but it emphasizes purposeful ownership and cleanliness.

The relationship between a Muslim and dogs should reflect balance, compassion, and responsibility. By following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and applying them wisely in modern contexts, Muslims can uphold both their faith and ethical treatment of animals.

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FAQs

Are dogs considered impure in Islam?

Yes, specifically a dog’s saliva is considered impure. However, the dog itself is not inherently impure.

Is it haram to touch a dog?

No, touching a dog is not haram. However, if touched by its saliva, one should perform proper purification before prayer.