Is It Haram to Have a Dog as a Pet in Islam? (Explained)

Updated in December, 2024 | By John Robert
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The Islamic faith does not explicitly forbid having a dog as a pet. In fact, many Muslims do keep dogs as pets and even work with them in search and rescue operations, law enforcement, and more. However, there is debate among Islamic scholars about whether or not it is permissible for Muslims to own dogs as pets.

Some believe that if the purpose of the dog is to guard property or provide protection, then keeping a dog as a pet might be permissible.

Others argue that because dogs can sometimes be considered impure, owning one would be considered haram (forbidden).

So is it haram to have a dog?

Ultimately, it is up to each individual Muslim to decide what they are comfortable with.

Are Dogs As Pets Considered Haram In Islam

Is keeping dogs allowed in Islam or not?

When it comes to the question of whether keeping dogs is allowed in Islam or not, there are different opinions amongst Muslims.

Generally speaking, some Islamic scholars have allowed keeping dogs as long as they are kept outside the home and away from areas of worship. The reasoning behind this is that dogs can be unclean and can bring harm to worshippers if they come into contact with them.

Additionally, some Islamic scholars believe that keeping a dog in one’s house is against the teachings of Islam as it could distract one from their religious obligations. On the other hand, there are some Islamic scholars who believe that having a pet dog is permissible under certain conditions such as keeping it clean and preventing it from coming into contact with people during prayer times.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to keep a pet dog lies with each individual Muslim according to their own beliefs and interpretations of Islamic law.

In Islam, the keeping of dogs is a controversial issue. Some Islamic scholars claim that it is allowed in certain circumstances, such as for hunting or for protection, while other scholars state that it is completely prohibited.

The most accepted opinion is that keeping dogs as pets is not recommended in Islam, but it is not strictly forbidden either. It has been said that if there is a need to keep a dog, such as for protection or hunting, then it should be kept outside the home and its saliva should not be allowed on any of the furniture in the house.

In addition, Muslims are advised to avoid contact with their dog’s saliva and feces.

Ultimately, it seems that owing a dog is harm, it depends as in Islam does not forbid people from owning a dog as long as they take proper precautionary measures and follow Islamic law.

Dogs in ancient Islamic culture

Dogs have been a part of Islamic culture since ancient times, with their presence being mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. In the past, dogs were used for hunting and protection. They were also regarded as loyal and faithful companions by many people.

In Islamic law, it is not allowed to mistreat animals or to keep them in cages, so they were generally kept in open spaces where they could roam freely.

Dogs were also used as guard animals and some Bedouin tribes would even give them names to show love and respect for them.

In some Muslim countries today, dogs are still regarded as unclean creatures which should not be touched or kept within the home. However, in other areas of the Islamic world, such as Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon, owning a pet dog is becoming increasingly popular amongst families.

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John Robert

John Robert is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). Owner of the most gorgeous dog on the planet, developed an interest in dog nutrition after finding the best food for his pet's allergies. The most impactful motive of his life is educating dog owners about dog nutrition and improving the lives of pets.