Questions and Answers

Having dogs as pets

Question: Can muslims have dogs as pets and if not please explain?

Answer: No, it is not permissible for Muslims to keep dogs as pets. Keeping dogs as pets was forbidden by the Prophet (s.a.s) and the only allowance which was given was that they be used for the purpose of hunting, securing one's premises, land or livestock.

In this regard, Imams Muslim and Tirmizi have recorded the tradition of Abu Hurairah which states that the Prophet (s.a.s) said, 'Whoever keeps a dog, other than for hunting, securing agricultural land or livestock, indeed two qeerat (a weight of about .195g) are taken away from his rewards everyday'. (Muslim, Tirmizi).

This hadith makes it clear that keeping a dog should only be done for the sake of hunting or security purposes. If this is not the case and a person continues to keep a dog as a pet, then he would lose blessings and rewards everyday for this act.

Another hadith tells us that angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog. In this regard, Imam Bukhari has recorded that Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet(s.a.s) said, 'The angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature. (Bukhari).

The Prophet (s.a.s) has also mentioned that when a dog licks in a utensil, clean it seven times and rub it with sand or dirt. (Bukhari). This tradition goes to show how impure the dogs are that water is not sufficient to get rid of their impurities. This therefore tells us that it is totally unhygienic to have dogs roaming around our homes and rooms since they would be licking all over the different areas which are invisible to the eyes.

The guidance given to us by the Prophet (s.a.s) is indeed complete and perfect and is filled with a great amount of wisdom. There are many other traditions which speak about keeping away from dogs and all put together show that only in the cases allowed should one keep a dog. Recent researches have also shown the great amount of diseases which are carried by dogs and many experts have warned people about keeping dogs as pets.

So stay with the beautiful teachings of Islam and you shall continue to be guided.

And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan