Okay, ladies... so we've all seen at some point or another this trend of having a little "teacup" chihuahua, yorkie, pomeranian, etcetera... You can dress them up in little cute outfits and put them in your purse and take them for walks around the park or even take them to the mall with you, right? They are so cute and cuddly and a great companion to keep you company, right???
WRONG!!! As cute as these little doggies are, we must remember that we, as Muslims are cautioned not to keep dogs as pets.
This does not mean that we should love the dog. It is perhaps the indoctrination of the Western culture that 'The dog is Man's best Friend'. The theory that 'dogs are very dependent on Human affection' is a myth - culture and custom has helped to develop this unnatural behavior.
If Allah (swt) said that the dog requires human affection and love to exist in this world, surely Prophet Muhammad (saw) would have advised us to keep dogs as pets. On the contrary, we are instructed not to keep dogs as pets and 'love' them as exemplified by the non-Muslims. Remember, our life should be structured and bound by the Qur'an and the beautiful example of Prophet Muhammad (saw).
Here are some hadith on this matter:
Sayyidna Abu Talha (Radhiyallaahu Ánhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, "Angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or an animate picture. (Sahih Bukhari Hadith no. 2986)
Sayyidna Ibn Abbas (rah) reports from Sayyidna Maimoona (ra) that once Rasulullah (saw) became sad; and said that Jibra'eel (Álayhis Salaam) promised to meet him at night but did not turn up. "By Allah what has kept him back," said the Prophet (saw). Then he realised a puppy was under his bed. He ordered that the puppy be removed and the area be sprinkled with water. In the afternoon when Jibra'eel (Álayhi Salaam) came, Rasulullah (saw) enquired as to the delay. Jibra'eel (Álayhi Salaam) said that we, the group of Angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or pictures. (Sahih Muslim Hadith no.3928)
In conclusion of these hadith and other narrations, it is not permissible to keep dogs as pets. If so, the home is deprived of the mercy of Allah (swt).
However, Jurists have stated that it is permissible to keep a dog for security purposes, farming and hunting.
The saliva of a dog is Najis (impure). If it touches the clothes or body, that portion also becomes impure and must be washed. Prayers are also said to be unanswered if a person (knowingly) has saliva of a dog on his or her person.So, ladies... instead of opting for that cute little dog to get as a pet, get a cute little furry kitten! They are just as cute and cuddly and you will still be able to gain the rewards of your salah and get all of the blessings from the malaikah (angels), insha'Allah!
...And remember... We should all strive to make Allah our best friend. We should go to Him with our problems and questions first and foremost.
As Salaamu alaikum
