Why is it forbidden to keep a dog at home according to the Quran? - briefly
According to certain interpretations of hadiths, dogs are considered ritually impure and their saliva is believed to nullify ablution (wudu), making it forbidden to keep them indoors. However, these views are not universally accepted among all Muslims.
Why is it forbidden to keep a dog at home according to the Quran? - in detail
The prohibition of keeping dogs as pets in Islamic tradition is rooted in several hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) rather than directly stated in the Quran itself. The Quran, however, does mention dogs in a few verses but not in the context of pet ownership. For instance, Surah Al-Kahf mentions the story of the Companions of the Cave and their dog, which serves as a symbol of protection and loyalty.
According to Islamic scholars, the main reason for the prohibition is based on several hadiths that emphasize the ritual impurity (najasah) associated with dogs. In one such hadith, it is narrated that angels do not enter a house where there is a dog present. This narrative underscores the belief that dogs carry spiritual impurities that can disrupt the harmony and purity of a home.
Additionally, some hadiths suggest that the saliva of a dog nullifies ablution (wudu), which is a ritual washing required before prayer in Islam. This further emphasizes the concept of ritual impurity associated with dogs. However, it's important to note that this ruling applies only if the saliva comes into contact with the body or clothing; otherwise, there is no issue.
Despite these restrictions, it is essential to recognize that not all Islamic scholars agree on a blanket prohibition of keeping dogs as pets. Some contemporary scholars argue that the hadiths should be interpreted in light of the historical context in which they were revealed and that modern-day practices and hygiene standards should also be considered. They suggest that if proper precautions are taken to maintain cleanliness, owning a dog as a pet may not necessarily violate Islamic principles.
In conclusion, while the Quran does not explicitly forbid keeping dogs at home, certain hadiths emphasize the ritual impurity associated with them, leading to a traditional prohibition in Islamic practice. However, interpretations and practices vary among different schools of thought within Islam.