The Dogs in Islam

By: DR. NORODIN A. KUIT(Vet)Lead Halal Auditor-MMHCBIChief, Livestock Division-DA-ARMM09263431462drkuit@yahoo.com

"If a dog licks a plate (or pot), clean it seven times, of which one time should be with sand (or earth).“ (Sahi Bukhari)

Keeping Hunting Dogs and Watch Dogs Allowed inIslam

Dogs which are kept for a purpose, such as hunting, guarding cattle or crops and the like are exempted from the above ruling.In a hadith reported by both al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (peace be on him) said, Whoever keeps a dog except for hunting or for guarding crops or cattle will lose one large measure (qirat) of his reward each day.On the basis of this hadith some jurists argue that the keeping of dogs as pets can be classified as makruh rather than haram, as the haram is absolutely prohibited without regard to whether there is a decrease in reward or not.

However, the prohibition of keeping dogs in the house does not mean that dogs may be treated cruelly or that they should be eradicated. Referring to the following verse of the Qur'an, There is not an animal on the earth, nor a bird flying upon its two wings, but comprise nations like yourselves. (6:38), the Prophet (peace be on him) said, "If dogs were not a nation (ummah) among nations, I would have ordered that they be killed.'' (Reported by Abu Daoud and al-Tirmidhi. (This was said by the Prophet following Jibril's remark that angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog.)The Prophet (peace be on him) told his Companions a story concerning a man who found a dog in the desert panting and licking the dust due to thirst. The man went to a well, filled his shoes with water, and relieved the dog's thirst. Said the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him), "Allah appreciated this and forgave him all his sins." (Sahi Bukhari.)

Some lovers of the West in Muslim countries claim to be full of love and compassion for all living creatures and they wonder why Islam warns against this “ man’s best friend“ . For their benefit, we quote here an excerpt from an article by the German scientist, Dr. Gerard Finstimer, (Translated from the German magazine Kosinos.)in which the author sheds light on the dangers to human health resulting from keeping dogs or coming in contact with them. He says: The increasing interest shown by many people in recent times in keeping dogs as pets has compelled us to draw public attention to the dangers which result from this, especially because pet dogs are hugged and kissed and permitted to lick the hands of the young and the old, and what is worse, to lick the plates and utensils which are used by human beings for eating and drinking. Besides being unhygienic and uncouth, this practice is bad manners and abhorrent to good taste. However, we are not concerned with such matters. leaving them to be addressed by teachers of etiquette and good taste.

Conclusion

Scientific Research Relative to Keeping Dogs

How is it possible that the teachings of an unlettered Arab, Prophet Muhammad, should agree with the latest findings of scientific research? Truly, we cannot say anything except to repeat the words of the Qur'an: Nor does he speak from (his own) desire. It is nothing other than a revelation sent down to him. (53:3-4)Guidance:-Do not allow a dog in your house as a pet or any other non-necessary reason. -When you hear a dog bark at night, say "audhu billah" ("I seek refuge in Allah"). -Do not own a dog unless used for hunting, or as a guard dog to people or animals such as cattle, or any other necessary reason such as a help to the blind, etc. -It is no sin to kill a rabid dog, even in the Masjid -If using a dog for hunting, always say "Bismillah" (In the Name of Allah) before releasing it to catch prey to be halal its catches.-Do not sell a dog for a price. “ Allah Subhana O Wa ta ala Knows Best”

Dogs as threat for Dogs as threat for Human HealthHuman Health

In the western concept on dogs tending , “it is the best man’s friend”. Dogs belong to the canine family of animal kingdom. The most intelligent among domesticated animals.Dogs , because of its smelling ability(about 30 times stronger than human), they are very useful as workmate or partner of law enforcers task on drug trafficking, gunrunning etc.

There are more than hundreds of breeds of dogs on earth, in each breed has their own agility, ability and idiosyncrasy. One of the breeds of dogs in the desert of Arabia is the Saluki, noted for his fastness and alertness. It has thin body, long legged and pendulous ear.

Pathogenesis of Rabies InfectionBite of rabid dog---initial Viral Replication at site of bites striated muscles --- virus travel via neuromuscular route to the CNS-- Replicate at the Gray Matter of the Brain--then return back to other vital organs or tissues via autonomic nerve system.Negri bodies, the pathognomonic lesion(distinctive lesion for rabies) of rabies throughout the Brain but more specific at the Hippocampus.Rabies infection is among the most preventable disease of man. It depends only on matter of serious and effective approach by the authority coupled with sincere participation of dog owners.Workable approaches on the prevention of rabies are the following: 1)Vaccination of dogs(at least 80 % of dog population,cheaper than vaccinating human), 2)Enactment of Local Ordinance on Rabies.3) Massive Information Drive(responsible pet ownership), 4) Restriction of Stray dogs(establishment of dog pound) and 5)Dog population control(spaying and castration).Malaysia, because of their serious implementation of Rabies control program. The country has a zero rabies incidence since 1997.According to the Department of Veterinary Service (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Haiwan), their last reported rabies infection was in 1996.

 The dogs are the primary reservoir of Rabies Virus, it is the reason why dogs are threat for human health.Rabies is a fatal Disease of Dogs and all warm blooded Animals. Cause by a virus, a bullet- shaped in form as seen in Electron Microscope. Other names are Lyssavirus,Mad dog,Hydrophobia. Bites of rabies infected Dog -almost 98% of human rabies are caused by rabid dog bites other cats.- Approximately 300 to 500 persons die of rabies every year in the Philippines.-Age group infection more on 1 to 14 years of age there are about 2:1 Male Female ratio.Clinical Signs- Drooling of saliva due to paralysis of the Mandibular( Jaw) Muscles. In dogs ,biting inanimate objects,restlessness,unable to drink

IntroductionIntroduction

The Dogs and IslamThe Dogs and Islam

The word “Community” is very interesting; here we say ‘Filipino or Bangsamoro Community’ and we imply that this community has its own natural habits, language and special way of communication, special ways of food and eating, in recreation and mating, rearing their offspring and each one is respected individually with his or her own rights.

 Many muslim believers interpreted dogs as completely prohibited in Islam. This belief is totally false. As embedded in the Glorious Quran, all creatures must be treated by man as communities like them regardless of their harmfulness and usefulness: “There is no moving creatures on earth nor a bird that flies by its two wings, but they are community like you.”(Al-Qur’an, 6/38)

Keeping Dogs Without Necessity

In Islam,keeping dogs inside the house without any necessity merely as pets was forbidden by the Prophet (peace be on him). When we observe how lavishly the well-to-do treat their dogs while despising or look down on their poor relatives, and how much attention they give their dogs while neglecting their poor neighbors, we realize the wisdom of this prohibition. Moreover, the presence of a dog makes the household utensils unhygienic due to their licking of them. The Prophet (peace be on him) said, "If a dog licks a plate (or pot), clean it seven times, of which one time should be with sand (or earth)." (Sahi Bukhari.) Some scholars are of the opinion that the reason for prohibiting the keeping of dogs may be because they bark at visitors, scare away the needy who come to ask for charity, and chase and try to bite passers-by. The Prophet (peace be on him) said, Jibril came to me and said, 'I came to you yesterday but what stopped me from entering was that there was a statue at the door, a curtain with figures on it in the house, and a dog inside the house. So order that the head of the statue be broken off so that it resembles the trunk of tree, that the curtain be cut and made into two pillows to recline on, and that the dog be taken out.' (Reported by AbDaoud, al-Nisai, al-Tirmidhi, and by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih.) This prohibition is limited to keeping dogs without need or benefit.