Ray (kilted vampire) respectfully pmed a very good question -
what do dogs have to do with the Islamic religion?
I’m putting the reply here not to preach but as a general knowledge to my forum friends, to clear misconceptions.
i hope my dear forum friends are not slighted.
answer –
Islam teaches Muslims to be respectful and loving to all animals.
“There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.” Qur'an 6:38
Mistreating animals is considered a sin in Islam. A Muslim is responsible for the care of animals so much so that an ill-treated animal will testify against the one who abused it on the Day of Judgment.
Islam forbids branding animals and killing them in vain, such as for sport like dog fighting and trophy hunting.
Even in slaughtering animals for food, Islam requires that the slaughtering be done according to Islamic procedure, which is humane and aims to cause the animals as little suffering as possible.
The prohibition with dogs is due to their unhygienic nature, and Islam stresses a very strong demand on cleanliness.
Prophet Muhammad’s tradition states that angels do not enter a house which contains a dog. As dogs are considered ritually unclean, though NOT haram/unlawful to keep keep dogs as pets, most practicing Muslims don’t.
It is also NOT haram/unlawful to touch a dog or any other animal. If the saliva of a dog touches a Muslim or any part of his/her clothing, then it is required to wash the body part touched and the item of clothing touched by the dog’s mouth or snout.
Though dogs are not usually kept by Muslims as pets, there is absolutely no issue (even from the extremists) if dos are kept to be used for work, such as guarding your house or office, or when used for hunting purposes.
I hope I have clarified a bit regarding this issue.
Sincerely,
Nasir Kasmani.
