Is It Haram To Have A Dog? (Yes/No)
Having a dog has become increasingly popular in the last few decades, with many people keeping them as part of their family.
No doubt, dogs are wonderful and loyal companions then can bring much joy to their owners.
However, regarding religious beliefs (Islam) and practices, the debate on having a dog as a pet remains unresolved.
In this article, we will answer whether is it haram to have a dog with all the related queries and provide useful insights with proof about dogs in Islam.
Is It Haram To Have A Dog In Islam?
If you keep a dog for hunting, guarding your property, farming, and herding animals, then it is halal in Islam. However, keeping a dog as a pet is considered haram (not allowed) in Islam.
The Islamic teachings are rather strict when it comes to having a dog as a pet. According to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“Whoever keeps a dog, one qirat (a certain measurement) of his good deeds will be deducted daily unless the dog is used for herding, farming, or hunting.”
Not only this, Prophet Muhammad also declared that “angels do not enter a house where there is a dog.”
With these two hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we can conclude that it is considered haram in Islam to keep a dog as a pet, and those who do will be deducted one qirat of their good deeds every day.
You can only keep a dog if you fulfill certain conditions. Your dog must have an important purpose: hunting, guarding property, farming, or herding animals.
If you also like cats, you can read is it haram to have a cat?
Why Is It Haram To Keep A Pet Dog In Islam?
There are many reasons why keeping a dog is considered haram in.
First, the Prophet has clearly stated that angels don’t enter a house if you have a pet dog. So, this may mean that if you keep a dog for companionship, you’ll lose the company of angels.
Second, dogs are unclean and impure, as per Islamic teachings. A dog’s saliva is thought to be particularly impure, and its presence makes it difficult to maintain cleanliness and purity.
Third, having a pet dog can also lead to attachment and dependence. It’s important to remain free from attachments to focus on spirituality and perform our Muslim duties.
Lastly, if you keep the dog in the house, it can make the home difficult to keep clean and tidy, which leads to missing out on prayers on time.
How To Keep Dog In Halal Way?
If you want to keep the dog while following Islamic teachings, certain conditions must be fulfilled:
1. You can have a dog only if you need them for hunting, herding, or protecting your property. Otherwise, it is not allowed to have a dog.
2. Dogs should be kept outside the house, like in a yard or garden.
3. The dog should never be left alone in the house.
4. You must pay extra attention to keep the area free of dirt and filth; it should be kept clean and sanitized.
5. Make sure you provide the dog with adequate food, water, and shelter.
6. Don’t touch the dog’s saliva or any other bodily fluid, and make sure to wash your hands properly after handling them. According to Islamic teachings, if the dog licks the utensil, wash it seven times, and rub it with the earth the eighth time.
You can also read is music haram or is dancing haram.
FAQs
Q. Is it haram to have a dog for protection?
A. No, it is not haram to have a dog for protection. It is allowed as long as you don’t keep them inside the house and fulfill other conditions in keeping a dog.
Q. Is it haram to have a dog in the house?
A. As per Islamic teachings, it is haram to have a dog in the house. You should keep the dog outside of your house even if it’s needed for protection or herding animals.
Q. Is it haram to have a dog outside?
A. It is not haram if you keep the dog outside for a specific purpose, such as hunting, herding, or protecting your property.
Q. Are dogs haram in Islam?
A. Having a dog as a pet is considered haram in Islam unless there is an important purpose, such as hunting, herding, or protecting your property.
Q. What does the Quran say about dogs?
A. The Quran mentions dogs two times in Surat Al-Ma’idah and Al-Kahf. In the first verse, Allah says it is permissible to eat what dogs have hunted for you, and in the second verse, Allah tells a story of a child who a dog protected.
Q. Can you have a dog for protection in Islam?
A. Yes, you can have a dog for protection in Islam, as long as you fulfill other conditions, such as keeping the dog outside of the house and following the proper Islamic hygiene rules.
Q. Is it haram to play with a dog?
A. Yes, it is haram to play with a dog because of the impurity that can come from their saliva and other bodily fluids.
Q. Is it haram to touch a dog?
A. Touching a dog is not haram, but if the dog’s saliva is on you, it would be seen as impure, and the areas that have come in contact with the saliva should be washed properly.
Conclusion
Having a dog for companionship is haram in Islam, as it can lead to impurity, attachment, and dependence.
However, you can keep a dog for specific purposes such as hunting, herding, or guarding your property. Just ensure you keep the dog outside the house and follow proper Islamic hygiene rules.
I hope this article has answered your query is it haram to have a dog in Islam? May Allah grant us guidance and steadfast us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.
