Many Muslims around the world ask the question: Is keeping dogs as pets haram in Islam? The answer requires a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings, Hadith, and the purposes for which dogs are kept. While dogs are respected as creatures of Allah, Islam sets specific boundaries regarding their role in a Muslim’s life.
What Does Islam Say About Dogs?
In Islam, dogs are not inherently evil or hated. They are among Allah’s creations and are even praised for their loyalty and protective nature. However, Islamic scholars have debated their role within a household based on hadiths and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
One commonly cited hadith from Sahih Muslim says:
“Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or an image.”
(Sahih Muslim 2104)
This narration, and others like it, lead many scholars to advise against keeping dogs as pets inside the home, especially when not used for a functional or permissible reason.
When Is It Permissible to Keep Dogs?
Islam allows keeping dogs for specific purposes, including:
- Guarding property
- Herding livestock
- Hunting
This is supported by a hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari:
“Whoever keeps a dog, except a dog for herding livestock, hunting or guarding crops, his reward decreases by two Qirats every day.”
This implies that keeping a dog is not haram when done for valid needs, but discouraged otherwise due to ritual purity concerns.
Are Dogs Impure in Islam?
According to the majority of scholars in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), a dog’s saliva is considered impure (najis). If a dog licks your clothes, hands, or utensils, they should be washed — in some schools of thought, even seven times, with one wash using soil.
This impurity is one of the primary reasons scholars discourage keeping dogs as pets within the living space, as it affects the cleanliness required for daily prayers.
Can Muslims Show Kindness to Dogs?
Yes, Islam encourages kindness to all animals. A hadith in Sahih Bukhari mentions a man who was forgiven by Allah for giving water to a thirsty dog:
“A man saw a dog panting and eating mud from extreme thirst. The man took off his shoe, filled it with water, and gave it to the dog. Allah appreciated this deed and forgave him.”
This clearly proves that compassion toward dogs is rewarded, and cruelty toward any creature is forbidden.
Is Keeping Dogs as Pets Haram in Islam?
So, is keeping dogs as pets haram in Islam? The answer is nuanced:
- Keeping dogs inside the home for companionship only is discouraged and possibly sinful due to impurity issues and hadiths discouraging it.
- Keeping dogs for permissible needs (guarding, hunting, farming) is allowed and rewarded.
- Showing kindness and feeding dogs is strongly encouraged.
Muslims are advised to consult trusted local scholars for rulings that apply to their specific situation.
Summary Table
| Situation | Ruling in Islam |
|---|---|
| Dog for security | Permissible |
| Dog for herding or hunting | Permissible |
| Dog as a pet inside the house | Discouraged/Not allowed |
| Feeding or helping stray dogs | Rewarded |
Final Thoughts
Is keeping dogs as pets haram in Islam? Not always. Islam does not prohibit owning dogs, but it emphasizes purpose, cleanliness, and intent. When kept for valid reasons and treated kindly, dogs can serve beneficial roles in a Muslim’s life without violating Islamic principles.