Why can't Muslims keep dogs but can keep cats? - briefly
In Islamic tradition, dogs are considered impure due to their habit of licking themselves clean, which contradicts the ritual purity required for prayer. Cats, on the other hand, maintain their cleanliness by grooming with their tongues and paws, making them permissible pets in Islamic households.
Why can't Muslims keep dogs but can keep cats? - in detail
The prohibition against keeping dogs as pets in Islam is rooted in several religious texts and cultural practices, while cats are generally considered permissible.
Firstly, according to Islamic tradition, dogs are often associated with impurity. In the Hadith collections, it is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture." This statement underscores the belief that dogs may bring spiritual contamination into a home.
Secondly, dogs are considered to be unclean animals due to their habit of licking themselves and eating impure substances. In Islamic law, known as Shariah, dogs fall under the category of najas (impure), which requires specific purification rituals after contact with them. Cats, on the other hand, are regarded as cleaner animals because they groom themselves meticulously and do not consume impure substances.
Thirdly, the Quran mentions dogs in several verses, often in a negative context. For example, Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:4) speaks of the punishment for those who slander the wives of the Prophet, likening it to being bitten by dogs. This verse is sometimes interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure associated with dogs.
Despite these prohibitions, there are exceptions and different interpretations among various Islamic schools of thought. For instance, some scholars permit keeping dogs for specific purposes such as guarding, hunting, or assistance in farming. Additionally, service dogs that aid individuals with disabilities are also permitted by many Islamic jurists.
In contrast, cats are generally viewed more favorably in Islamic tradition. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have shown affection towards cats, and there are no explicit prohibitions against keeping them as pets. Cats are seen as clean animals that bring comfort and companionship to their owners.
In conclusion, the difference in the treatment of dogs and cats in Islamic tradition stems from religious texts and cultural practices that associate dogs with impurity and spiritual contamination. While there are exceptions and varying interpretations, the general guideline is that dogs should not be kept as pets unless for specific permitted purposes, whereas cats are generally considered permissible companions.