What is the ruling of keeping dogs in the Shariah?
In the name of Allah,the most Compassionate and Merciful
Assalamu alaikum,
Having a dog as a pet is prohibitively disliked (makruh tahriman). However, there is no harm in acquiring a hunting dog, or a guard dog to protect one’s sheep or property. [Al-Hadiyyah al-’Alaiyyah 347]
Itis related by Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever acquires a dog, with the exception of a dog for hunting, or guarding sheep, or protecting the harvest, then a large portion of his reward will be diminished every day.” [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]
Abu Talha relates (Allah be well pleased with him), that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The angels do not enter a house that has a dog or a picture.” [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]
It is mentioned in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, that one should not keep a dog unless they fear a thief or fear anything else. One should know that acquiring a dog for guarding is legally permissible, as is acquiring a dog for hunting or for protecting the harvest and livestock. [5:362]
Answered By: Shaykh Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
