The Book of Clothes and Adornment - Sahih Muslim 2106a

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This narration from Sahih Muslim establishes a profound spiritual principle concerning the presence of angels in dwellings. The angels of mercy and revelation, who record deeds and bring divine blessings, withdraw from environments containing dogs kept without necessity and images of animate beings.

The prohibition stems from maintaining the sanctity of Islamic monotheism, as image-making imitates Allah's creative act. Dogs kept without legitimate need (like hunting, farming, or protection) may distract from remembrance of Allah. This does not apply to working dogs nor indicate dogs are inherently impure, but rather teaches us to prioritize environments conducive to angelic presence and divine blessings.

Scholars clarify that this refers specifically to angels who record good deeds and bring mercy, not the angels appointed over punishment or those continuously with every person. The wisdom behind this teaching encourages Muslims to maintain homes free from distractions that might hinder spiritual presence and divine favor.