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Is Dog Walking Haram? Understanding Halal Earnings from Dog-Related Jobs

Is Dog Walking Haram? Can You Earn Halal Money from It?

In Islam, keeping dogs is generally discouraged unless it is for specific purposes mentioned in Shariah, such as farming, herding livestock, or protection. However, the question arises: Is it permissible for Muslims to earn money by walking or sitting dogs? Let’s dive into this topic to provide clarity.

Can Muslims Be Dog Walkers?

Good news for those considering this profession—dog walking is not haram in Islam. While Muslims are advised against keeping dogs as pets, as per the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) teachings:

“Whoever keeps a dog, his reward for good deeds will decrease by one Qeeraat every day, except dogs used for farming or herding livestock.”
[Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2322]

This hadith indicates that keeping dogs without valid reasons can diminish one’s rewards. However, walking dogs does not equate to keeping them; it is merely a job. Some might believe that dogs are impure and could break wudu, but this is a misconception. The dog itself is not impure; only its saliva is. Therefore, working as a dog walker is permissible.

Are Earnings from Dog Walking Halal?

Yes, earnings from dog walking are halal. Since the act of walking a dog does not involve keeping the animal as a pet, it does not fall under the prohibitions mentioned in Islamic teachings. Touching the dog is not forbidden, and the dog itself is not impure, making this a lawful way to earn a living.

Can Muslims Be Dog Sitters?

Similar to dog walking, working as a dog sitter is also halal. The income earned from this profession is permissible, as there is no sin associated with looking after dogs in this capacity. It’s essential to note that the reason Muslims are discouraged from keeping dogs is not due to impurity, but because of the specific guidelines provided by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

What Does the Quran Say About Dogs?

Dogs are mentioned in the Quran in a positive context, particularly in Surah Al-Ma’idah and Surah Al-Kahf:

“They ask you, [O Muhammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, ‘Lawful for you are [all] good foods and [game caught by] what you have trained of hunting animals which you train as Allah has taught you. So, eat of what they catch for you, and mention the name of Allah upon it, and fear Allah.’ Indeed, Allah is swift in account.”
(Quran 5:4)

In this verse, dogs trained for hunting are considered lawful. In Surah Al-Kahf, a dog is depicted as a protector of the people of the cave:

“And you would have thought they were awake, though they were asleep. We turned them over, to the right and left, while their dog stretched his forelegs at the entrance…”
(Quran 18:18)

Are Dogs Impure?

Contrary to some beliefs, dogs are not inherently impure. The impurity lies in their saliva, and thus, Muslims are advised to avoid contact with it. However, this does not make the dog itself najis (impure).

Can You Keep Dogs Inside the House?

Raising a dog inside the house is not permissible unless it is for a valid reason such as hunting, guarding livestock, or protecting crops. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized that:

“The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or an image.”
[Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 3640]

Therefore, while dogs can be kept for specific purposes, they should not be raised inside the home.

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