Hadith Text & Context

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever acquires a dog - with the exception of a dog to guard livestock, a hunting dog, or a farm dog - each day a Qirat is deducted from his reward." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1490)

This hadith from The Book on Hunting by Imam at-Tirmidhi addresses the Islamic ruling concerning keeping dogs, establishing general prohibition while specifying permissible exceptions for legitimate needs.

Meaning of Qirat

A Qirat represents a substantial measure of reward, likened by scholars to a great mountain like Uhud. The daily reduction signifies the seriousness of unnecessarily keeping dogs, as it diminishes one's spiritual capital and divine recompense.

Permissible Exceptions Explained

Hunting dogs: Trained for lawful hunting to procure food, following proper Islamic slaughter guidelines when game is caught.

Livestock guard dogs: Protecting sheep, cattle or other lawful animals from predators and thieves.

Farm dogs: Guarding agricultural lands and crops from destruction by animals or trespassers.

Scholarly Commentary

Classical scholars emphasize that the prohibition applies to keeping dogs indoors as pets without legitimate need. The wisdom behind this ruling includes maintaining ritual purity (as dogs' saliva is najis), preserving household angels' presence, and avoiding imitation of non-Muslim practices.

The exceptions demonstrate Islam's practicality, allowing dogs when necessary for livelihood, food security, or property protection. Scholars note that even permissible dogs should not be brought into living quarters unnecessarily.

Legal Ruling (Hukm)

The majority of scholars consider keeping dogs without legitimate need to be makruh tahrimi (prohibitively disliked), while some hold it to be haram (forbidden). All agree that reward is diminished daily when keeping dogs without the specified needs.