Dog Ownership and Breeding in Islam: Myths vs. Facts (حلال أم حرام)

(بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم، والصلاة والسلام على حبيبنا محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم وعلى من اتبع صراطه المستقيم.) 
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and upon all those who follow his righteous path. 



Dear Readers, 

(السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته.) May Peace, Mercy, and Blessings of Allah be upon you. 

Are you a Muslim seeking clarity on common questions about dogs in Islam? Many individuals harbor misconceptions regarding canine companionship, their presence in homes, and matters of purity.  Many people ask:

👉 Is Keeping Dogs Forbidden in Islam?
👉 If a Dog is in the House, Do the Angels of Mercy Not Enter That House?
👉 Does a Dog Bite Any Food, or Does it Become Impure?
👉 Does a Dog Touch a Person's Clothes, or Does It Become Impure?

This article aims to address these crucial enquiries based on authentic Islamic sources – the Holy Quran, the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and insights from modern science – to provide a clear, accurate understanding. 

Dog Ownership and Breeding in Islam: Myths vs. Facts (حلال أم حرام)


📍 Is keeping dogs prohibited in Islam? Amazing verses of the Quran!


The Quran has clearly dispelled this misconception. Allah Almighty Himself says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:4): "We have given you the knowledge of the dogs that you train for hunting. And if you send hunting dogs to hunt in the name of Allah, and they bring back an animal, it is lawful for you without slaughtering it."

Just think, if a hunting dog is sent saying 'Bismillah', the animal it hunts is lawful for us! To train a dog, it must be raised and taken care of – this is natural. So how can keeping a dog be forbidden? Even if a dog brings back prey with its mouth, it does not become impure.

We all know the story of the Companions of the Cave (the people of the cave). Allah Himself mentions this miracle in the Quran and specifically says about their dog: "You would think that they were awake while they were asleep. We would turn them to their right and to their left. And their dog was in front of the entrance of the cave, stretching out its forelegs." (Surah Al-Kahf 18:18)

The Quran does not use the Arabic word for dog, 'Qalb (قلب)', but rather the word 'Muqallebeen' (المقلبين), which refers to trained hunting dogs. This is a kind of praise for dogs from Allah!


📍 Does the angel of mercy doesn't come if there is a dog in the house? A correct analysis of a misinterpretation!


This idea has become popular due to a misinterpretation of a hadith. It is very important to know the context, time and reason for the hadith.

Once Hazrath Jibrail (A.S.) came to the house of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and there was a dog under the bed of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Hazrath Gabriel (A.S.) said, "The angel of mercy does not enter the house where there is a dog." This hadith proves Hazrath Jibrail's (A.S.) personal dislike, while angels may have their own sensitivities. This does not mean that Allah or His Messenger (ﷺ) forbade keeping dogs. If this were the case, Allah would have said it directly in the Quran, or the Messenger (ﷺ) would have given a clear instruction. Mercy does not cease even in the case of keeping hunting dogs; rather, Allah has praised them!

📍 Does touching a dog make clothes or food impure? Instructions on cleanliness!


Cleanliness is given great importance in Islam. Dogs can suffer from various diseases, and stray dogs can roam in dirty places. Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed, "If a dog touches any food, wash it thoroughly."

This is basically a directive on cleanliness and hygiene. This means that dogs are not impure, but rather they can spread disease germs through them, so cleanliness is essential. Stray cats also roam in dirty places, and the same precautions are required for them. Therefore, if a dog or any animal is kept clean and tidy, there is no question of impurity.

📍 Dogs in the eyes of zoologists: A symbol of loyalty and love!


Modern zoologists also praise dogs for their intelligence, loyalty, and genuine love for humans. Konrad Lorenz, a Nobel laureate ethologist and one of the pioneers of animal behaviour, highlighted the deep bond humans have with dogs and their extraordinary social intelligence in his famous book 'Man Meets Dog'. He says, "Dogs are man's best friend because they know how to give unconditional love."

Also, Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned animal behaviorist, emphasizes the therapeutic qualities of dogs and their role in improving mental health. He says, "Dogs help us overcome loneliness and reduce stress. Spending time with them releases oxytocin (the love hormone) in the human brain."

These scientists have done extensive research on the intelligence, learning ability, and positive impact of dogs on human lives. Dogs are not only pets, but they are also companions, protectors, and, in many cases, life-savers.

🚫 It is forbidden to hurt animals unnecessarily: the basic teachings of Islam!


Islam places great importance on kindness and compassion towards any animal. Allah says, "Killing an innocent person is like killing all of humanity." Similarly, killing or trapping an animal unnecessarily is also forbidden. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "A woman tied up a cat, then the cat died, so it will go to Hell."

Children in Medina used to tie up and torment dogs unnecessarily. In this context, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Do not tie up a dog unnecessarily and torment it." People have mistakenly taken this saying to mean "keeping dogs is forbidden". But the main message is – animals should not be tormented.

If you want to keep an animal, you have to meet its needs – food, care, love. If you temporarily keep it as a pet, it is your responsibility to meet all its needs.

✔️ Final word: Humanity and wisdom are the real thing.


In addition to the correct interpretation of the Quran and Hadith, the research of zoologists also shows that unnecessarily humiliating dogs or harboring hatred towards them is against the teachings of Islam. Rather, through compassion, care and proper management, coexistence between humans and dogs is possible.

Let's break the common misconceptions and spread humanity, wisdom and the true beauty of Islam among everyone.

#Dog, #DodCare, #Pet, #PetCare, #Islam


Thank you for taking the time to read this inspiring story. We hope it has uplifted and motivated you to overcome any challenges you may be facing. "The best among you is the one who benefits others." (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 22803). If you found this information helpful like💙 , upvote ✅, clap 🙏🏼, comment 💯and share 📩 your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Your engagement helps spread awareness and keeps our community informed and motivated. Let’s achieve our goals together! 


Disclaimer: 
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. If you are struggling with anger management, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional Scholars. 




Jazaku Allah Khairan. (جزاك الله خيرا.)

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