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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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.