Restriction Law on Dogs in Islam

                                                                                                                                  Edited by: Engineer Afsaneh Cooper

Seven-day-old baby mauled by dog - Video

The Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w.) said keeping a dog in the house prevents angels entering the house as well as one or two qiraats being deducted from a person’s good deeds a day, if I'm not mistaken. Anyway the question I have is, though keeping a dog outside of the house is perfectly do-able, there is however of course going to be a time when that dog is a puppy and may need warmth. Obviously a kennel would surely be the most obvious solution but nevertheless, the same way a baby is kept with its mum and dad when young and then gets its own room when it grows a puppy surely needs to be near its owner as well.  

The Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w.) said keeping a dog in the house prevents angels entering the house as well as one or two qiraats being deducted from a person’s good deeds a day, if I'm not mistaken. Anyway the question I have is, though keeping a dog outside of the house is perfectly do-able, there is however of course going to be a time when that dog is a puppy and may need warmth. Obviously a kennel would surely be the most obvious solution but nevertheless, the same way a baby is kept with its mum and dad when young and then gets its own room when it grows a puppy surely needs to be near its owner as well.

  Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) said, "Whoever draws a picture or takes responsibility of a dog is outside the folds of Islam". Imam was questioned, "Wouldn't this affect a lot of people (as it implies, they have all gone astray)?" Imam replied, "That's not what I mean. My saying, "whoever draws a picture" is a reference to anyone who establishes/nominates a religion other than that of Allah and invites people towards it. And my saying, "whoever takes responsibility of a dog" is a reference to those who take responsibility of our enemies (who hate us) and feed them and quench their thirst. Such are the people who are outside the folds of Islam". Ma'ani ul Akhbar - Sheikh Saduq - Vol1 Chapter 161. pp 227. The meaning of the narration, "Whoever draws picture or takes responsibility of a dog.." - Al-kisa Publishers, Karachi 

If someone reading this wishes to keep a dog for the purpose of protection then they should know that geese can also fulfil that role if you keep them in your yard. They are not najis, rather halal birds (taste great when baked to a crisp!), and they look very beautiful as well. Like dogs, they also grow a bond of affection with their master. They will scream, chase and bite any stranger who enters your house but there is no rabies involved. On the downside, their droppings can quickly create a mess so your house should have a lawn or yard for them. It is said that Hz. Ali  had geese in his house in Kufa.

Another beautiful and noble pet that is often overlooked is the pigeon. It is lovable like a cat. I've always been a fan of dogs, cats too, but now I find myself content with geese and pigeons. The only purpose left open now is guarding against or foiling snakes that enter your house which a cat is efficient at. I hear that peacocks can do that job. 

Allah Taãla 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 (s.a.w.) would have advised us to keep dogs as pets. On the contrary, we are instructed not to keep dogs as pets and 'love' them as exemplified by the non-Muslims. Remember our life is structured and bound by the Shariah i.e. The Noble Qurãn and the beautiful example of Rasulullah (s.a.w.). Consider these Ahaadith:

Sayyidna Abu Talha (r.a.) reports that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said, "Angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or an animate picture. (Sahih Bukhari Hadith no. 2986)

Sayyidna Ibn Abbas (r.a.) reports from Sayyidna Maimoona (r.a.) that once Rasulullah (s.a.w.) became sad; and said that Jibra'eel (a.s.) promised to meet him at night but did not turn up. "By Allah what has kept him back," said the Prophet (s.a.w.). 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 Jibra'eel (a.s.) came, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) enquired as to the delay. Jibra'eel (a.s.) 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 Taãla.

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

The saliva of a dog is Najis (impure). If it touches the clothes or body, that portion also becomes impure and must be washed. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best