Why are Muslims adverse to dogs ?

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2 days ago
5 min read

While dogs are beloved pets in many cultures, Islam has specific guidelines regarding their ownership.

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This article explores five reasons why keeping dogs as pets is forbidden in Islam. They include;

The Cultural And Historical Context

Muslims’ fear of dogs can be understood within the cultural and historical context of Islamic societies. In Islamic culture, dogs are often considered impure due to their saliva and contact with bodily fluids. However, it is important to note that this belief is not exclusive to Muslims and can be found in other cultures and religions as well.

Throughout history, dogs have played various roles, both positive and negative, in Islamic societies. They have been used for hunting, guarding, and even as companions. Nevertheless, misinterpretations and myths surrounding dogs in Islam have contributed to the fear and avoidance of dogs among Muslims.

It is crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity and respect, recognizing that cultural beliefs and personal experiences shape individual perspectives. Understanding the cultural and historical background is essential to dispel misconceptions and foster empathy and understanding among different communities.

**1. Ritual impurity (*najis***)

One of the primary reasons dogs are discouraged as pets in Islam is the issue of ritual impurity. According to Islamic jurisprudence, dogs are considered "najis" or impure. This impurity is associated with their saliva, which can transfer to humans when licked by a dog.

In Islam, ritual purity is important, especially before acts of worship like prayer or handling the Quran. The presence of a dog as a pet can complicate these purification rituals.

2. Prohibition of interaction with dogs in Hadith

The Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) provides further insight into the prohibition of keeping dogs as pets. Several Hadith narrations discourage unnecessary interaction with dogs, indicating that angels do not enter a house with a dog.

The Quran encourages the presence of angels in the home, but dogs, due to their impurity, are believed to deter these noble beings.

3. Hygiene and safety

Islamic teachings prioritise cleanliness and hygiene. While keeping dogs is not entirely forbidden, their presence in the house can raise concerns about cleanliness and safety. Dogs may carry diseases or parasites that can pose health risks to humans.

Moreover, their behaviour, like licking utensils or wandering around the house, can compromise hygiene standards.

4. Space and welfare considerations

Responsible pet ownership requires providing animals with appropriate living conditions and care. Dogs, as pets, need ample space, exercise, and social interaction. In many cases, keeping dogs in confined spaces may not meet their welfare needs, which goes against the principles of kindness to animals emphasised in Islam. Neglecting a pet's welfare can lead to moral and ethical dilemmas in Islamic ethics.

5. Focus on other animals

Islam encourages Muslims to consider other animals as potential pets. Cats, for example, are generally considered permissible as pets in Islam and have a history of companionship with the Prophet Muhammad. This focus on alternative pets reinforces the idea that dogs are not the only source of companionship or protection available to Muslims.

The prohibition of keeping dogs as pets in Islam is based on a combination of factors, including ritual impurity, hygiene, safety, and the welfare of animals.

These teachings are rooted in the religious texts and traditions of Islam, which aim to guide Muslims in living a life that aligns with their faith and values.

While these reasons discourage keeping dogs as pets, it's essential to understand that these guidelines may not apply universally, as cultural and regional differences can influence practices within the Islamic world.

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John Bellamy Comments:-

Back in the '70's I had two Weimeraners - who were 'husband and wife' and they were truly devoted to each other ( and us ) and they had 3 litters of puppies - and as no one had heard of Weimeransers back then, were hard to sell - even at just £30 each.

2 decades later after having cats for 20 years I had a further 2 Weimeraners here at Hamilton Hall - not together, both at different times, both rescue dogs and both eventually died of cancer. Then a German Pointer - who repeatedly attacked me. She had been used as a breeding dog in Romania and her hormones were scatty and caused emotional problems making her violent and after 5 attacks over a few months, and where I ended up in A&E - I sadly gave up making excuses for her and a local Rescue Centre gave me advise , as did the vet, and she was put down. That was a sad day but I knew there was no other choice.

I now have Madge, a Wippet / Staffie mix who was 6 months old when I got her ( now 3 years old ) and she is full of fun and giggles and play and is the most affectionate of them all. She is laying here under my feet under my desk as I write this... When you visit Hamilton Hall, she will sniff you and - may bark as you come and go, but is so gentle and will remember you if and when you return.

I have always had short haired dogs so - no fur everywhere.

All have brought nothing but joy and laughter and all have given and received LOVE.

Dog owners often chat together on walks, even if just to smile and to say hello as we all share the love and the joy and I have to say that Madge does make me smile and laugh - A LOT - and all my dogs ( and the cats ) have brought much love and joy into my world.

I also had a Green Amazon Parrot for some years and she was an amazing talker / mimic and would amuse people for hours with her chatter. Her name was Percy - and was given to us by someone moving abroad and we had her for 10 years before she succumbed to a viral infection and after much vet action with medicated foods and heat lamps etc. had to be 'put to sleep' as it was the kindest thing to do.

Funny how we do not like to see our pets suffer and will terminate their life as the best option, the kindest thing to do, but doctors kept my Mother alive LONG after her dementia took all her life quality and she was a vegetable in a bed for some years in an appalling state, but self assisted termination - OOOOO that's not on the agenda and in all honesty, we are cruel to our relatives and kinder to our animals.

Hamilton Hall hit the WORLD NEWS when we hosted a Self Assisted Suicide ( SAS ) workshop hosted by Philip Nitschke some 20 years ago and the overwhelming support from the public was amazing and where 80% of people asked, agreed with SAS under strict guidelines should be acceptable in law.

It may rain today but Madge still needs a walk, so its wrap up warm and dry and - well - Woody walks her most days so.. ha ha ... I stay in the dry.

Well done Woody.