Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s messenger as saying, "If anyone acquires a dog, except a sheepdog or one trained for hunting, two qirats will be deducted from his good deeds daily." (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Hadith Text & Context
The noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, transmitted by the esteemed Companion Abdullah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), states: "If anyone acquires a dog, except a sheepdog or one trained for hunting, two qirats will be deducted from his good deeds daily." This ruling falls under the chapter of "Game and Animals Which May Be Slaughtered" in Mishkat al-Masabih 4098.
Meaning of Qirat
The qirat is a known measure of reward in the Hereafter. Scholars explain it represents a substantial portion of good deeds. Some interpretations suggest it equals a great mountain like Uhud in reward value. The daily deduction serves as a strong deterrent against unnecessary dog ownership.
Permissible Exceptions
The Shari'ah wisdom permits dogs for specific necessary purposes: (1) Hunting dogs trained to retrieve permissible game, (2) Sheepdogs or farm dogs for guarding livestock and agriculture, (3) Some scholars include guard dogs for property protection based on qiyas (analogical reasoning). These exceptions demonstrate Islam's practicality while maintaining spiritual purity.
Spiritual Wisdom
Angels do not enter houses containing dogs due to their impurity. The reward reduction emphasizes the spiritual consequences of introducing impurities into one's living space. This ruling preserves the barakah (blessings) in Muslim households and maintains the companionship of angels who record good deeds.
Juridical Application
The deduction occurs only for keeping dogs without legitimate need. If one disposes of the dog, the deduction ceases immediately. Scholars differ whether the lost rewards can be recovered through repentance and additional worship. The predominant view is that future rewards aren't affected, but the previously deducted amounts aren't restored.