In times when life feels challenging and uncertain, a bit of light-hearted humor can go a long way to lift our spirits. Today, we’re delving into a topic that might bring a smile to your face: Don’t Let the Dogs Out and the Cat is Out of the Bag! Join us as we explore the delightful world of cats and dogs, shedding some humor on the age-old debate of which pet makes the best indoor companion. So, let’s paws for a moment and embark on this furry adventure together!Let’s dive into a purr-snickety topic today – Cats or Dogs. A couple of my curious readers have recently inquired about the ultimate pet choice for Muslims: cats or dogs. At first, I thought it was as straightforward as a cat chasing a laser pointer for a Muslim. But alas, as a blogger, I’m bound by the unwritten code to seek opinions beyond my own whimsical ponderings. So, like any responsible writer, I embarked on a quest, consulting our wise old friends Uncle Google and Auntie Yahoo. To my bewilderment, a pandemonium of answers and perspectives emerged! It turns out, many Muslims have welcomed both paws and tails into their homes. The pet plot thickens!In Islam, cats and dogs are both considered permissible as pets, but there are specific guidelines and etiquette regarding their ownership and interaction.Cats:Cats are generally well-regarded in Islamic tradition. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is said to have had a great fondness for cats and treated them with kindness and respect. It is believed that cats are clean animals, and their fur does not invalidate a person’s ritual purity. Muslims are encouraged to treat cats with kindness, provide them with food and water, and not harm them.
Dogs:Dogs, on the other hand, are a bit more complex. Islam acknowledges that dogs can serve useful purposes, such as guarding property and assisting with hunting. However, there are certain rules and etiquette regarding their ownership:In Islamic tradition, dogs are considered impure, including their saliva, which can contaminate objects. Therefore, if a dog licks a container, it must be thoroughly cleaned to remove the impurity.Dogs are generally not allowed inside homes unless they serve specific purposes like hunting or guarding; they are not kept as typical pets like cats.If a person does have a dog for a legitimate purpose, they are required to provide proper care, including food, water, and shelter.Muslims should maintain ritual purity by washing their hands after coming into contact with a dog or its saliva.
It’s important to note that Islam does not explicitly favor one type of pet over the other. Both cats and dogs are considered permissible as pets in Islam, but there are guidelines and considerations to keep in mind when choosing between them. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual circumstances and your ability to fulfill the responsibilities associated with each.It’s essential to consider the following factors when deciding between a cat and a dog as a pet:
Time and Attention: Dogs generally require more time and attention than cats. Consider your daily schedule and whether you can provide the necessary care and companionship.
Living Space: Your living environment matters. Dogs may need more space to roam and play, while cats are often more adaptable to smaller spaces.
Allergies: Some people are allergic to pet dander, which is a consideration when choosing between cats and dogs.
Islamic Guidelines: Ensure that you adhere to Islamic guidelines regarding cleanliness and the treatment of animals, regardless of whether you choose a cat or a dog.
Neither cats nor dogs are inherently better or safer as pets in Islam. The choice should be made based on your lifestyle, preferences, and ability to meet the responsibilities associated with caring for the animal. Regardless of your choice, treating your pet with kindness and fulfilling your obligations towards them is of utmost importance in Islamic teachings.
Cats Are Welcomed Inside Homes: Cats are generally welcomed inside homes in Islam due to their clean nature. Islamic tradition doesn’t consider cats impure, and their presence in the house doesn’t affect ritual purity.
Dogs Are Usually Kept Outside: Dogs are typically kept outside the home because they are considered impure in Islamic tradition. Even their saliva is regarded as impure, which is why their presence indoors can affect ritual purity.
Cats and Dogs as Pets: While cats are often kept as pets in the same way as other domestic animals, dogs are usually kept for specific purposes like hunting or guarding. This distinction arises from the differing views on the purity of these animals.
Care and Etiquette: Muslims are encouraged to treat both cats and dogs with kindness and provide them with proper care, including food, water, and shelter. Despite the difference in their status regarding ritual purity, compassionate treatment is advised for all animals.
In Islamic tradition, the primary sources of guidance are the Quran (the holy book of Islam) and the Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). While the Quran does not specifically mention cats or dogs, Hadith literature provides guidance on the treatment and ownership of these animals.
In Reality, it’s a Hiccup Nowadays.
While traditional Islamic guidelines suggest that dogs should generally be kept outside the home due to their perceived impurity, the practical application of these guidelines can vary in modern times.Many Muslim families today have dogs as cuddly indoor pets, and this practice is supported by some Islamic scholars who emphasize the flexibility and adaptability of Islamic teachings. They argue that the context and purpose of keeping dogs have evolved over the years.Islamic scholar Sheikh Dr. Tariq Al-Suweidan, for example, points out that the historical role of dogs as protectors or hunting companions may not necessarily apply to the modern urban lifestyle. He suggests that if a dog is clean, well-cared for, and does not pose a threat to hygiene or purity, it can be kept inside the home.This evolving perspective on dogs as indoor pets is also rooted in the concept of ‘Ijma’ (consensus) among scholars, where the Muslim community’s consensus can influence the interpretation of religious guidelines. With a growing number of Muslims welcoming dogs as family members, some scholars argue that this reflects a shift in the community’s consensus.So, in modern times, the practice of keeping dogs indoors has become more common among Muslims, with the understanding that maintaining their cleanliness and hygiene is essential. This change demonstrates the adaptability of Islamic tradition to contemporary lifestyles while still respecting the core principles of compassion and care for animals.I decided to watch many video clips, hoping to catch one that says yes, we can keep dogs inside the house as pets. Unfortunately, many came very close only up to the entrance door of a house. Below are some familiar scholars and learned individuals’ video clips you can watch. (alas, if you come across any scholars saying that dogs are allowed as pets inside teh house, please give me a wink in the comments.)
I came across one Egyptian scholar! – The Egyptian scholar Maḥmūd Shaltūt (1893 – 1963 CE), who was Grand Sheikh of al-Azhar (Egypt’s highest authority on Sunni Islam), ruled that keeping a dog as a pet and letting it in the house is permissible as long as it is not diseased. However, he says that if the dog eats or drinks from a utensil, it must be washed thoroughly before it is used by a human. He also added that the opinion of the Mālikī school is that dogs are pure (i.e. not ritually unclean), and that it is permissible to touch them and play with them as long as they are not diseased. This is also the opinion of al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī , al-Zuharī , Sufyān al-Thawrī, al-Shawkānī, Ibn Mundhir al-Shāfiʿī and Ibn Ḥazm.Please click to read the article – Can Muslims keep dogs as pets? (Yes, according to some scholars)
According to these scholars, dogs are just like cats or any other animal, so there is no special cleansing requirement if you follow their opinions.
“When I converted to Islam, I initially believed that dogs were considered haram (forbidden). However, as I delved deeper into my studies, I realized that the issue of dogs in Islam is more complex and nuanced. It was a need for security that made me consider getting a dog.
In a post-9/11 world where my public profile had risen, I received hateful messages and even faced physical aggression. I was concerned about my family’s safety, and I decided that having a dog would help protect us. My decision was also influenced by my upbringing in Canada, where I could take nighttime walks with a dog, feeling safe and liberated.
I sought a dog that was both a guard dog and gentle companion. After searching rescue sites, I found Ziggy, who has become a devoted and attentive companion. Ziggy even gets along with our cat, Nojima, and they often sit together, watching over our home.
My choice to have a dog challenges the stereotype that Muslims don’t have dogs. It’s a way to initiate a conversation and encourage a more nuanced perspective on Muslims and dogs. As a busy individual, spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is important to me, and Ziggy provides me with the opportunity to do so. Our walks in the woods, where I can simply be with my thoughts or just enjoy the surroundings, are the highlight of my day.”
I have summarised the advantages and disadvantages of having dogs as pets below:
I’m Ani S.A., a content creator with a passion for exploring the diverse experiences of Muslim women. At Rethinking Islam - The Moden Perspective, I cover a wide range of topics, from investing to travel, fashion, and women’s empowerment. I aim to bring clarity and fresh perspectives to everything I write, whether I’m discussing the latest trends in hijab fashion or reviewing Islam friendly travels. My goal is always to offer authentic, culturally sensitive insights that resonate with Muslim women worldwide.
