The controversial topic of whether it is haram or halal to keep dogs as pets often divides opinions. The Quran and hadith are sources Muslims turn to for guidance. Some scholars say keeping dogs is haram because of cleanliness rules. Others believe it can be halal if the dog serves a useful purpose. This shows how different people can come to different decisions based on the same teachings.
Is keeping dogs haram in Islam?
In Islam, it is often said that keeping dogs is generally forbidden unless there is a specific need, like hunting, guarding livestock, or guarding crops. Muslims are warned that keeping a dog without these reasons may lead to a loss of good deeds or hasanat. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught that one or two qirats of reward could be lost each day as punishment for keeping a dog without a valid exception. This teaching emphasizes the importance of understanding the role and purpose of animals in Islamic law.
“Whoever keeps a dog, except a dog for herding, hunting, or farming, one qirat will be deducted from his reward each day.” – Abu Hurayrah (Narrated by Muslim, 1575)
Is it permissible to keep a dog to guard houses?
There is some debate about whether it is permissible to keep a dog for guarding houses in Islam. Al-Nawawi mentioned that it could be allowed if it’s a necessity, similar to guarding livestock or crops. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin added that if a house is in a city where there is no real need for extra protection, keeping a dog for this purpose is haram and could lead to a loss of reward. But if the house is in a remote area, keeping a dog for protection is allowed since guarding people is seen as important.
“If the house is in the countryside and there is no one else around, then it is permissible to keep a dog to guard the house and the people who are in it.” – Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin
Does one lose one Qirat or two Qirats if he keeps a dog?
In Islam, the issue of losing one or two qirats of reward for keeping a dog is discussed in various hadiths. Hadith Bukhari mentions that if someone keeps a dog not used for farming or guarding livestock, they lose one qirat of good deeds each day. Scholars like Al-Hafiz al-‘Ayni offer explanations for the difference between losing one and two qirats. Some say it depends on the dog’s location, with two qirats applying in cities and one qirat in the countryside, or that these were said at different times to emphasize the seriousness of the issue.
“If somebody keeps a dog who is neither used for farm work nor for guarding livestock, he will lose one Qirat of the reward for his good deeds every day.” – Hadith Bukhari 3:515
Are dogs impure?
In Islam, there is a belief that keeping a dog involves dealing with najasah or impurity. The dog’s saliva is considered najis, meaning it can make objects impure. For example, if a dog licks a vessel, it must be cleaned thoroughly to remove the impurity. This concern about najasah affects how some view the permissibility of keeping a dog in daily life.
Does touching or kissing a dog require purification?
In Islam, if someone touches a dog or if a dog licks a vessel, it is considered necessary to purify the area. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) instructed that if a dog drinks from or licks a vessel, it must be washed seven times, with the first time using soil to properly purify it. This teaching is specific to the dog’s saliva, and while some apply this rule to other parts of the dog, the focus is primarily on the saliva. To ensure cleanliness, if a dog licks a vessel, it should be washed thoroughly, using soil in the first wash, then water.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) 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”
– and in another hadith, “If a dog licks a vessel…” All of the ahadith mention licking only; they do not mention any other part of the dog, regarding them as najis is based only on analogy.
How do you clean dog saliva?
In Islam, cleaning dog saliva is important because it is considered najasah (impurity). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught that if a dog licks a vessel, it must be washed seven times, with the first time using soil. This method ensures proper cleaning of the impurity. While some people also use soap or another cleaning agent, the key step is using soil in the first wash as prescribed.
Animal diseases that affect humans
In Islamic shari’ah, it is advised to be careful when kissing or being close to a dog due to the risk of diseases. Dogs can carry bacterial diseases like pasteurella, which affect the respiratory systems of humans. They can also spread parasitic diseases that harm the intestines, liver, lungs, and abdominal cavity. Tapeworms, for example, are parasites that attach to their hosts, such as dogs, cats, crows, and wolves, and can be transmitted to humans.
| Disease | Cause | Affected Areas | Carriers | Transmission to Humans |
| Pasteurella | Bacterial disease | Respiratory systems | Dogs | Direct contact, kissing |
| Tapeworms | Parasitic disease | Intestines, liver, lungs, abdominal cavity | Dogs, cats, crows, wolves | Contact with infected animals |
| Rabies | Viral disease | Nervous system | Dogs, bats, raccoons | Bites, saliva from infected animals |
| Leptospirosis | Bacterial disease | Kidneys, liver | Dogs, rodents | Contact with urine, contaminated water |
| Ringworm | Fungal infection | Skin | Dogs, cats | Direct contact, touching infected areas |
| Hydatid disease | Parasitic disease | Liver, lungs | Dogs, sheep | Ingestion of contaminated food or water |
Conclusion
In Islam, it is permissible to keep dogs for specific purposes like hunting, guarding livestock, or protecting crops and houses. However, in the city, where these needs may not exist, one should avoid keeping dogs without a valid reason, as it could lead to imitating the kuffar and risk exposure to diseases. As Muslims, we give thanks to Allah for the guidance provided in shari’ah to maintain both our spiritual and worldly affairs in a pure and perfect manner.
FAQs
Is it halal to have a dog in Islam?
In Islamic jurisprudence, particularly in the Sunni Maliki school of thought, there are differing views on keeping dogs. While wild dogs are generally not permitted as pets, some allowances are made for working dogs, such as those used for hunting or guarding. The saliva of dogs is often considered najis (impure) in Islamic law, making them unclean in some contexts. However, the role and purpose of the dog are key factors in determining whether it is halal to keep them.
Is it haram to have a dog at home?
According to
Sahih Bukhari hadith number 3322, the Prophet (SAW) said that angels do not enter a house where there is a dog or an image.
This teaching is significant for Muslims as it suggests that keeping a dog as a pet inside the home is not permissible. Many scholars interpret this hadith to mean that having a dog inside the house may prevent blessings, making it important for Muslims to be mindful of this guidance.
What did Prophet Muhammad say about dogs?
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) provided clear guidance on keeping dogs. According to a hadith narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Umar, the Prophet (SAW) said, “If someone keeps a dog neither for hunting nor for guarding livestock, the reward for his good deeds will be reduced by two Qirats per day.” This teaching highlights the importance of purpose in keeping a dog and suggests that keeping a dog without a valid reason can lead to a reduction in one’s spiritual rewards.
Is it haram to play with the dog?
It is not forbidden for Muslims to play with dogs, but certain precautions should be taken, especially when preparing to pray. After contact with a dog, it’s important to ensure that the floor, forehead, and clothes are clean, as the dog’s saliva is considered impure in Islam. This cleanliness is crucial to maintain the purity required for prayer.