As Muslims, we may wonder why dogs are considered haram (forbidden) while cats are allowed as pets. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of this topic.
Why Are Dogs Haram?
All scholars agree that raising a dog is haram unless it falls under one of the exceptions specified in Sharia law. The justification for considering dogs haram is derived from the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
According to the hadith narrated by Ibn ‘Umar, the Prophet said, “Whoever keeps a dog, except for hunting or herding livestock, will have their reward decreased each day by two Qirats” (narrated by al-Bukhari, 5059).
The term “Qirat” refers to a significant amount, as described by the Prophet himself, equal to two huge mountains. Therefore, raising or keeping a dog is believed to diminish one’s good deeds.
Furthermore, the Prophet stated that angels do not enter a house that houses a dog or an image (narrated by al-Bukhari, 3322; Muslim, 2106). As a result, if one keeps a dog for any of the permitted reasons, such as protection, hunting, or herding, a separate place must be designated for the dog outside the house.
The scholars differ in their opinion concerning the amount of reward deduction (Qirat). One version of the hadith mentions one Qirat being deducted, while another version states two Qirats. Some scholars propose that the deduction is dependent on whether the dog is more or less harmful. Others suggest that the punishment was increased from one Qirat to two Qirats to deter people from keeping dogs.
Is It Permissible to Keep Dogs to Guard Houses?
The Prophet Muhammad made only three exceptions regarding the permissibility of keeping dogs: hunting, guarding livestock, and guarding crops. Scholars generally agree that it is not haram to keep a dog for the purpose of house guard duties.
There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding this matter. Some argue that it is haram based on certain hadiths, while others believe it is permissible by analogy with the three permitted reasons mentioned earlier.
One scholar, al-‘Iraaqi, stated that keeping a dog to guard houses or roads is permissible based on analogy. Most scholars agree with this opinion, considering it the more correct view.
Why Are Cats Halal in Islam?
As Muslims, we are allowed to keep cats as pets. The reason why cats are considered halal (permissible) in Islam can be understood from a hadith narrated by Kabshah bint Ka’b ibn Maalik.
The hadith mentions Abu Qataadah, who allowed a cat to drink from the water he was using for ablution (wudu). When Kabshah found this strange, Abu Qataadah referred to a saying of the Prophet: “They (cats) are not impure; they are among those who go around amongst you” (Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood).
This hadith and the opinion of scholars indicate that cats are pure and not harmful, even their saliva. Therefore, keeping cats as pets is not considered haram.
It is important to note that the hair of cats, like other animals, is also deemed pure. It does not nullify one’s ablution (wudu) if it comes into contact with a person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does your wudu break if a cat licks you?
No, your wudu (ablution) does not break if a cat licks you. The saliva of a cat is not impure, as stated in the hadith: “It is not impure, it is of those [creatures] that mingle with you” (Reported by Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i, and Ibn Maja).
Can I pray if there’s cat hair on my clothes?
Yes, you can pray even if there’s cat hair on your clothes. Cat hair is not considered impure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dogs are considered haram in Islam unless kept for specific purposes such as protection, hunting, or herding. Cats, on the other hand, are considered halal due to their purity and harmlessness. This distinction is derived from the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), which emphasize the impurity of dogs and the purity of cats.
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