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Is it Haram to Touch a Dog? A Simple Islamic Perspective

Is It Haram to Touch a Dog in Islam?

Many people love animals, especially dogs and cats, but when it comes to Islamic practices, there’s often a question: Is it Haram to touch a dog?

Islamic scholars have differing opinions, but most agree that keeping a dog is permissible if it’s for reasons outlined by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever keeps a dog, except a dog for herding, hunting, or farming, his reward will decrease by one Qiraat every day” (Muslim, 2948).

From this, it’s clear that owning a dog for protection, herding, hunting, or farming is allowed. But what about touching a dog? Let’s delve into that.

Is It Haram to Keep a Dog?

Keeping a dog isn’t Haram if it’s for a valid reason that aligns with Shariah and Sunnah. However, keeping a dog without such a reason could result in a decrease in good deeds, as indicated by the following hadith:

Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: ‘Whoever keeps a dog, except a dog that is trained for hunting or a dog for herding livestock, his reward will decrease each day by two Qirats.’” (Al-Bukhari, 5059).

This hadith is also narrated by Muslim, emphasizing the importance of the purpose for which the dog is kept.

Is It Okay to Touch Dogs in Islam?

Yes, touching a dog is permissible in Islam. The impurity associated with dogs is not in their hair or body but in their saliva. Shaykh Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned three views regarding dogs among scholars:

  1. Dogs are pure, including their saliva. (Malik’s view)
  2. Dogs are impure, including their hair. (Al-Shafi’i’s view)
  3. Dogs’ hair is pure, but their saliva is impure. (Abu Haneefah’s view)

The most widely accepted view is that dogs’ saliva is impure, but their hair is not. If a dog’s wet hair touches your clothes or body, it does not make them impure. However, if you come into contact with a dog’s saliva, you should wash the area seven times, one of which should be with soil.

What Should You Do After Touching a Dog in Islam?

If you touch a dog and come in contact with its saliva, Islamic teachings recommend washing the affected area seven times, one of which should be with earth. This is based on the hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), where the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If a dog licks the vessel of any one of you, let him wash it seven times, one of which should be with earth.”

Do Muslims Dislike Dogs?

No, Muslims do not dislike dogs. While keeping dogs as pets is generally discouraged unless for a specific purpose, this does not mean that Muslims hate dogs. Islam emphasizes kindness to all living beings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) told of a woman who entered Hell for mistreating a cat, and of a man who was granted Paradise for quenching a dog’s thirst.

What Does the Quran Say About Dogs?

The Quran mentions dogs in Surah Al-Kahf and Surah Al-Ma’idah. In Surah Al-Ma’idah, Allah says: “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)

This verse indicates that what dogs hunt is permissible to eat.

In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah describes the dog that guarded the people of the cave: “And their dog stretched his forelegs at the entrance…” (Quran 18:18). This verse highlights the loyalty and protective nature of dogs.

Can You Touch Dogs During Ramadan?

Yes, touching dogs during Ramadan does not break your fast. However, if you come into contact with a dog’s saliva, you should wash the affected area as described.

Does a Dog Licking You Break Your Wudu?

No, a dog licking you does not break your wudu. The things that invalidate wudu are clearly defined in Islamic teachings, and touching or being licked by a dog is not among them.

Conclusion

Dogs play various roles in human life, and Islam provides clear guidelines on how to interact with them. While keeping dogs as pets without a valid reason is discouraged, touching dogs is permissible. The key concern in Islam is purity, especially regarding a dog’s saliva. By following these guidelines, Muslims can ensure they maintain cleanliness and stay true to their faith while interacting with dogs.

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