Hadith Text & Reference

Abu Huraira reported God's messenger as saying, "If anyone gets a dog, except a sheepdog or a hunting dog or a farm dog, a qirat of his reward will be deducted daily." (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Reference: Mishkat al-Masabih 4099 | Book: Game and Animals Which May Be Slaughtered | Author: Mishkat al-Masabih

Meaning of Qirat

A qirat represents a substantial measure of reward in the divine scales. Scholars explain it as a significant portion of one's spiritual recompense, emphasizing the seriousness of keeping unnecessary dogs.

Permissible Exceptions

Sheepdogs: For guarding livestock and preventing loss.

Hunting dogs: Trained for lawful hunting to obtain permissible game.

Farm dogs: For protecting crops and agricultural property from harm.

These exceptions demonstrate Islam's practical approach where necessity overrides general prohibition.

Wisdom Behind the Prohibition

Angels do not enter houses containing dogs due to their impurity.

Prevention of harm and nuisance to neighbors and visitors.

Focus on maintaining spiritual purity and maximizing divine reward.

Encouragement toward beneficial companionship rather than unnecessary attachments.

Scholarly Consensus

The majority of classical scholars consider keeping dogs without legitimate need reprehensible (makruh).

The deduction of reward applies only to keeping dogs without permissible purpose.

Modern applications include guard dogs for security purposes, which fall under the farm dog exception.