Can Muslims have dogs?

In a Nutshell - Yes so long as the usage is purposeful The permissibility of keeping dogs in Islam is intricately tied to their purpose, with specific roles such as hunting, herding, and farming being sanctioned. Unnecessary ownership, particularly as pets in urban settings, is discouraged. The impurity associated with dogs is linked to their saliva, emphasizing the importance of hygiene. While opinions on the purity of dogs' hair vary among scholars, the consensus leans towards considering it clean. Responsible ownership, guided by Islamic principles, ensures a balanced approach to dog companionship. Can Muslims Have Dogs? Exploring the nuances of dog ownership in Islam requires a comprehensive understanding of religious texts, scholarly interpretations, and the practical implications of keeping dogs. This examination aims to address common queries surrounding the permissibility of having dogs in an Islamic context. Quranic and Hadith References The Prophet (saw) said: “Whoever keeps a dog, except a dog for herding, hunting or farming, one qirat will be deducted from his reward each day.” (Muslim, 1575.) The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Whoever keeps a dog, except a dog for herding livestock or a dog that is trained for hunting, two qirats will be deducted from his reward each day.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5163; Muslim, 1574.) The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “The purification of the vessel of one of you, if a dog licks it, is to wash it seven times, the first time with soil.” (Muslim, 279) The Prophet (saw) said: “If a dog licks the vessel of one of you, let him wash it seven times and rub it with soil the eighth time.” (Sahih al-Muslim 280) The Prophet (saw) said: “The purification of the vessel of one of you, if a dog licks it, is to wash it seven times, the first time with soil” Scholarly Opinions Ibn Taymiyah said: “With regard to dogs, there are three views among the scholars: That they are tahir (pure), even their saliva. This is the view of Malik. That they are najis (impure), even their hair. This is the view of al-Shafi'i and is one of the two views narrated from Ahmad. Their hair is tahir but their saliva is najis. This is the view of Abu Haneefah and of Ahmad in the other report narrated from him." The jurist al-Nawawi said: “There is a difference of opinion as to whether it is permissible to keep dogs for purposes other than these three, such as for guarding houses and roads . The most correct view is that it is permissible, by analogy with these three and based on the reason that is to be understood from the hadith, which is necessity.” (Sharh Muslim, 10/236) whilst Al-Hafiz al-‘Ayni observed: It may be that they have to do with two types of dogs, one of which could cause more harm than the other. It was said that “two qirats” applies in cities and villages, and “one qirat” applies in the countryside. It was said that they were said at two different times – “one qirat” was mentioned first, then the warning was made more strict and two qirats were mentioned. (‘Umdat al-Qari, 12/158) Analysis The permissibility of dog ownership in Islam is contingent on the purpose and necessity. While dogs are allowed for specific tasks, keeping them without a genuine need may result in spiritual consequences. The impurity associated with dogs is carefully delineated, highlighting the importance of maintaining cleanliness. It is permitted to keep of dogs for specific, utilitarian purposes. Hadiths, such as those narrated by Abu Hurayrah and 'Abd-Allah ibn 'Umar, highlight the importance of intention and necessity in dog ownership (Muslim, 1575; Bukhari, 5163). Unnecessary dog ownership may lead to the deduction of one or two qirats from a person's rewards daily. This underscores the significance of responsible ownership and adherence to Islamic guidelines (Muslim, 1574). The impurity associated with dogs lies in their saliva, particularly when it comes into contact with vessels. Careful purification measures, as outlined in hadiths, are advised to maintain cleanliness (Muslim, 279; 280). Misconceptions Generalized Prohibition: A common misconception is a generalized prohibition on dog ownership. However, Islam allows it for specific purposes, emphasizing responsible ownership. Inherent Impurity: Some may assume that dogs are inherently impure, overlooking the nuanced distinctions regarding their purity in Islamic jurisprudence. Unnecessary Ownership: A pitfall lies in keeping dogs without a genuine need, leading to potential spiritual consequences. Misunderstanding Impurity: Failing to differentiate between intrinsic impurity and the impurity related to specific actions involving dogs can lead to misconceptions. Objections Varied Scholarly Opinions: Critics may raise objections based on the varied opinions among scholars regarding the purity of dogs' hair. However, the consensus leans toward considering it clean. Deduction of Rewards: Some may object to the deduction of rewards for unnecessary dog ownership, arguing that it is overly punitive. However, this aligns with the emphasis on responsible and purposeful ownership. Conclusion - Muslims keeping dogs Muslims are permitted to keep dogs for specific purposes outlined in the sharia. The impurity associated with dogs is not inherent but is related to specific actions, emphasizing the importance of hygiene. Responsible ownership and adherence to Islamic guidelines ensure a balanced approach to this aspect of life. FAQs 1. Can Muslims keep dogs as pets? Muslims are discouraged from keeping dogs as pets without a genuine need. The permissibility is linked to specific purposes like hunting, herding, and farming. 2. Is the impurity associated with dogs intrinsic? No, the impurity is not intrinsic but is related to the dog's saliva. Careful purification measures are advised in specific situations. 3. What is the consequence of unnecessary dog ownership in Islam? Unnecessary dog ownership may result in the deduction of one or two qirats from a person's rewards each day, emphasizing the spiritual consequences. 4. Are there health risks associated with contact or consumption related to dogs? Certain diseases can be transmitted from dogs to humans, especially when there is direct contact, such as kissing or sharing vessels. Hygiene practices are crucial. 5. Do all scholars agree on the permissibility of keeping dogs for specific purposes? While the majority of scholars permit keeping dogs for specific purposes, there may be variations in opinions. However, the consensus leans towards permissibility based on necessity and conditions.