Thursday 17 November 2011

is it allowed for muslims to touch a dog?

Q:
dear all brothers and sisters, i have a question. is it allowed for muslims to touch a dog? bcoz as i learn it was impure. but i saw many of my friends (they are also muslim) they are having dog as pet, they touch it, hug it, also kiss it. is it allowed to do that? can you people help to give me the source (quran or hadith shahih) if its right not allowed to touch in islam? jazakumullah khairan katsiran

A; All-Praises is due to Allah,
Touching dogs or playing with them or anything in that manner is not permissibleDogs according to the Sharia is Najas (an impure animal) On the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh ), said,
"If a dog drinks from your vessel, wash it seven times” [ Malik’s Muwatta: Hadith 65] And in another narration in Sahih Muslim: there is an addition that says: “The first time to be washed by dust” [Sahih Muslim: Hadith 279]

On the authority of Abdullah bin Mughffal the prophet (pbuh) said: “When the dog licks the utensil, wash it seven times, and rub it with earth the eighth time.” [Sahih Muslim: Hadith 280]

The Scholars say according to these Hadiths dogs are ruled as impure animals that takes into consideration if one has been licked by a dog then they should apply this Hadith above. Evidently it has been proven through the Sunnah that of one keeps a dog in there house no angles will enter it, in Hadith Bukhari 3:515, Narrated Abu Huraira, I heard Allah's Apostle saying; "Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (a human being or an animal)." and in Hadith Muslim, Narrated 'Aisha Gabriel made a promise with Allah's Messenger to come at a definite hour; that hour came but he did not visit him. And there was in his hand (in the hand of Allah's Apostle) a staff. He threw it from his hand and said: Never has Allah or His messengers (angels) ever broken their promise. Then he cast a glance (and by chance) found a puppy under his cot and said: Aisha, when did this dog enter here ? She said: By Allah, I don't know. He then commanded and it was turned out. Then Gabriel came and Allah's Messenger said to him: You promised me and I waited for you, but you did not come, whereupon he said: It was the dog in your house which prevented me (to come), for we (angels) do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture.

Furthermore the Sharia has classified back dogs as being devils (Shyatin) and should be killed, Hadith related by Abu Dawud and Darimi, The Prophet said, "Were dogs not a species of creature I should command that they all be killed; but kill every pure black one." [Muslim, Narrated AbuDharr: "...The black dog is a devil." Imam Ahmad considered that the passing of a black dog actually invalidates ones prayer, the Prophet (pbuh), "When one of you stands in prayer, what definitely constitutes a barrier for him is an object placed in front of him of the same height as the back of a camel-saddle. If it is not in front of him and of the same height as the back of a camel-saddle, then some [stray] donkey, or some woman passing, or some black dog will cut off his prayer." I said: "O Abu Dharr! What is it that makes a black dog different from a red or yellow dog?" He replied: "O dear cousin! I asked Allah's Messenger -- Allah bless and salute him! -- the exact same question. He said that the black dog is a devil." (Muslim)

Following this it has been mentioned that it's recommended that one seeks refuge in Allah upon hearing the bark of a dog, Hadith - Abu Dawood 5084, Narrated Jabi ibn Abdullah, The Prophet said: When you hear the barking of dogs and the braying of asses at night, seek refuge in Allah, for they see which you do not see. From amongst the things that is not permissible is sell dogs, "The Prophet forbade the acceptance of the price of a dog.." (Bukhari)

My dear respected brother, the Sunnah is quite clear in it's ruling concerning dogs, there is only one situation where the shariah has allowed a Muslim to keep dogs & thats for those Whom are framers or hunters or they kept as security to guard properties, Hadith -Bukhari 3:515, Narrated Abu Huraira, Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever keeps a dog, one Qirat of the reward of his good deeds is deducted daily, unless the dog is used for guarding a farm or cattle." Abu Huraira (in another narration) said from the Prophet, "Unless it is used for guarding sheep or farms, or for hunting."

Narrated Abu Hazim from Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "A dog for guarding cattle or for hunting."

As far as keeping a dog to guard the house is concerned, Ibn Qudaamah said: "It is not permitted, according to the most sound opinion." (See al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 35/124)

This does not give us excuses for us to go and; buy dogs and say we are buying them to protect our properties unless your profession is of those that is mentioned above then I seriously suggest that before making decisions one must consult a Scholar about this matter because there is a whole new Fiqh behind it.

And Allah knows best...

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