Jul
2
Why do Muslims not like dogs?
Filed Under Islam
Well, not all Muslims. However, traditionally Muslims have avoided dogs since they are ritually unclean. Here are two interesting stories I saw about Muslims and dogs:
- In 2008, Muslims offended by puppy photo in Scotland
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,374564,00.html - In 2006, Australian Muslim taxi cab drivers refuse service to blind with guide dog
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2121657.cms
From my studies I had learned that Muslims are usually not that keen about dogs, but I had never really seen documentation about where this came from. So, I decided to do some investigation. Here are a few of Muhammad’s sayings about dogs found in Sahih Bukhari (the most respected collection of Hadiths in the Muslim world):
1. Volume 1, Book 4, #173
Narrated Abu Huraira: “Allah’s Apostle said, “If a dog drinks from the utensil of anyone of you it is essential to wash it seven times.””
2. Volume 1, Book 9, #490
Narrated ‘Aisha: “The things which annul the prayers were mentioned before me. They said, “Prayer is annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of the praying people).” I said, “You have made us (i.e. women) dogs. I saw the Prophet praying while I used to lie in my bed between him and the Qibla. Whenever I was in need of something, I would slip away. For I disliked to face him.”"
3. Volume 3, Book 39, #516
Narrated As-Sa’ib bin Yazid: “Abu Sufyan bin Abu Zuhair, a man from Azd Shanu’a and one of the companions of the Prophet said, “I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, ‘If one keeps a dog which is meant for guarding neither a farm nor cattle, one Qirat of the reward of his good deeds is deducted daily.” I said, “Did you hear this from Allah’s Apostle?” He said, “Yes, by the Lord of this Mosque.”"
4. Volume 4, Book 54, #448
Narrated Abu Talha: “I heard Allah’s Apostle saying; “Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (a human being or an animal).””
5. Volume 4, Book 54, #450
Narrated Salim’s father: “Once Gabriel promised the Prophet (that he would visit him, but Gabriel did not come) and later on he said, “We, angels, do not enter a house which contains a picture or a dog.””
On the blogroll to the right I added a link to an electronic concordance of the Qur’an and Hadith.
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4 Responses to “Why do Muslims not like dogs?”
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Here in Turkey, a 98.8% Muslim country country, people love dogs… of course they also drink heavily and I am pretty sure that is against their religion as well.
I think this would make a good trendy rubber bracelet- WDMNLD.
OK, a good investigation but you haven`t mentioned everything.
firstly, you have to say that each point has its own reason of y Islam forbidden dogs in it.
secondly, prayers are annulled by a women, there is a story u have to investigate for. In you article here you have showed the women are equalled to dogs! and that is wrong.
anyway, sometimes people has to know things in deep, especially about religions, because it is much more complicated than any scientific subject.
but overall, nice investigation, hope I can help u about anything related to any Islamic investigation.
p.s. I am not a conservative muslim, I do many bad things but almost following the good parts in Islam.
Suhail,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. My “study” was just meant to be a quick look at the hadiths and see what I could find about dogs. Finding specific hadiths refering to dogs satisfied my curiosity. It would be interesting though to do more research and see what lies behind Muhammad’s sayings. I would like to respond to one specific comment you made. You wrote “you have showed the women are equalled to dogs!” I did not state this in my post. I was simply quoting the hadith. I did not comment on or interpret the hadith. I am not sure how a Muslim would interpret this hadith. I included the hadith because it mentioned how ones prayers do not count if a dog passes in front of you as you pray.
thanks
wmc