What is written about dogs in the Quran? - briefly
The Quran mentions dogs in a few verses, primarily in relation to their ritual impurity. According to Islamic teachings, dogs are considered impure animals, and contact with them requires purification rituals.
It is crucial to note that the Quran's references to dogs are limited and specific, focusing on ritual purity rather than the animal's character or moral status. There are several verses that mention dogs:
- Surah Al-A'raf (7:157): "And [He made] the dog of the family of Ayyub [Job] - when they went out [of their house] seeking provision, they found [a place of] shelter and said, 'If only we had sought provision [before leaving]!'"
- Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:4): "They ask you, [O Muhammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, 'Lawful for you are [all] good [things] and [game caught by] trained hunting animals which you train as Allah has taught you..."
The Hadith, which are sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, provide additional guidance on interactions with dogs. These traditions emphasize the need for purification after contact with dogs and highlight the importance of cleanliness in Islamic practice. Despite these restrictions, dogs are generally tolerated in Islamic societies, and their treatment is governed by the principles of mercy and compassion advocated in the Quran and Hadith.
What is written about dogs in the Quran? - in detail
The Quran, the holy book of Muslims, contains specific mentions and references to dogs that provide guidance on how Muslims should interact with these animals. These references are crucial for understanding Islamic teachings on the treatment of animals and the purity laws within the faith.
In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:4), the Quran states, "They ask you, [O Muhammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, 'Lawful for you are [all] good [things] and [game caught by] training hunting dogs and trained birds, providing you give them training as Allah has taught you. So eat of what they catch for you, and mention the name of Allah upon it, and fear Allah.' " This verse indicates that dogs can be used for hunting, and the game they catch is permissible to eat, provided that the name of Allah is mentioned. This shows a practical use of dogs in Islamic tradition.
However, there are other verses and Hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) that discuss the purity and cleanliness aspects related to dogs. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:157), the Quran mentions the "People of the Book" (Jews and Christians) cursing those who were turned into apes and dogs. This is often interpreted as a metaphor for severe punishment rather than a literal transformation.
In Islamic jurisprudence, particularly in the Sunni tradition, dogs are generally considered impure (najis). This belief is supported by various Hadiths. For instance, it is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad advised against keeping dogs except for specific purposes such as hunting, herding, or guarding. It is also mentioned that the angels do not enter a house where there is a dog. This has led to the practice of avoiding close proximity to dogs and ensuring that they do not enter living spaces.
The Shia tradition, on the other hand, has a more lenient view on dogs. While they also consider dogs to be impure, they allow for the keeping of dogs for purposes such as guarding and hunting. The Shia jurisprudence emphasizes the practical benefits of dogs in certain situations while still adhering to the principles of cleanliness.
In summary, the Quran and Islamic traditions provide clear guidelines on the use and treatment of dogs. While dogs are recognized for their practical benefits in hunting and guarding, they are also considered impure, which influences how Muslims interact with them. These teachings reflect the balance between the utility of animals and the maintenance of ritual purity in Islamic practice.