The Shari'ah Ruling On Dogs

All creatures are the creation of Allah Ta'ala and deserve the recognition of being a creation of the Almighty. As much as Muslims detest even the sight of pigs - it is the creation of Allah Ta'ala – and because Allah has placed life into it, we cannot inflict pain nor torture the pig.

Similarly Allah created the dog from among His creation. This does not mean that we should love the dog. It is perhaps the indoctrination of the Western culture that "The dog is man’s best friend". The theory that "dogs are very dependent on human affection" is a myth - again culture and custom has helped to develop this unnatural behaviour.

Allah Ta'ala the Creator of this Universe – having created the dog would surely have known that the dog requires human affection and love to exist in this world. Rasulullah SAW thus would have advised us Muslims, to keep dogs as pets. On the contrary, we are instructed not to keep dogs as pets and ‘love’ them as exemplified by non-Muslims. Remember our life is structured and bound by the Shariah i.e. The Noble Qur'an and the beautiful example of Rasulullah SAW.

The Ahaadith below should be considered and contemplated:

Abu Talha RA reports that Rasulullah SAW said:

“Angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or an animate picture." (Sahih Bukhari: Hadith No. 2986)

Abdullah Ibn Abbas RA reports from Maimunah RA that once Rasulullah SAW became sad; and said that Jibril AS promised to meet him at night but did not turn up.

“By Allah what has kept him back,” said the Prophet SAW.

Then he realised a puppy was under his bed. He ordered that the puppy be removed and the area be sprinkled with water. In the afternoon when Jibril AS came, Rasulullah SAW enquired as to the delay. Jibril AS said that:

"We, the group of Angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or pictures."(Sahih Muslim: Hadith no.3928)

In the light of these Ahaadith and other narrations it is not permissible to keep dogs as pets. The household is deprived of the Mercy of Allah Ta'ala.

However, Jurists have stated that it is permissible to keep a dog for security purposes, farming and hunting.

It should also be noted that the saliva of a dog is Najis (impure). If it touches the clothes or body, that portion also becomes impure and must be washed with seven different portions of water, one of which must be mixed with soil.