I’d like to share with you about something I read on one of Muslim dog lover blog, http://www.mymki.com. The blogger, MKI was featured in Bahasa Malaysia newspapers and the headline was “Saya Tak Menghina Sesiapa” or “I don’t mean to offend anyone” (Click the picture to go to his blog). What I understand from reading the article was some people (I believe the Malay Muslims) were offended because MKI is a dog breeder and enters his dogs on dog shows.
My respond to Muslims who are “offended” and those who believe that having dogs is “haram”, dog is dirty, Muslims cannot have dogs, you won’t be blessed if you have dogs and those who question the morality of rescuing and helping dogs is…
You Are Giving Islam & The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) a bad name.
In my opinion, these Muslims are no different than terrorist who killed many innocent people in the name of Islam. In a way they’re making Islam look bad.
There’s nowhere mention in the Quran that dogs is “haram”, dirty or prohibited. However, there is a mentioned in the Quran that it’s ok to eat the animals that are caught by the trained hunting dogs.
[Quran 5:4] They consult you concerning what is lawful for them; say, “Lawful for you are all good things, including what trained dogs and falcons catch for you.” You train them according to Allah’s teachings. You may eat what they catch for you, and mention Allah’s name thereupon. You shall observe Allah. Allah is most efficient in reckoning.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, “A man saw a dog eating mud from (the severity of) thirst. So, that man took a shoe (and filled it) with water and kept on pouring the water for the dog till it quenched its thirst. So Allah approved of his deed and made him to enter Paradise.”
If you read about the characters of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it’s really impossible that he would condemn or be cruel to dogs.
I also heard some opinions that said Muslims can have dogs but they must be working dogs or the dogs must have purpose like guard dogs or herding dogs.
After having dogs of my own and doing some research about dogs behavior, I understand why this is the case. We can’t just keep our dogs caged or chained or leave them all day, everyday leaving them doing NOTHING.
A lot of people have dogs as Guard Dogs. They just put them in a cage, chain them or just put them in the back yard to guard their house or property. This is CRUEL.
Dogs need a purpose. They need exercise, discipline and affection. They need to be socialized with humans and other dogs.
There are a lot of responsibilities to take care of a dog. You must exercise, discipline and clean after your dog so that your life will be happier with your dog and also it won’t disturb the neighbors by their excessive barking or the smell from their poop or pee.
I don’t encourage people to have dogs, the same as I don’t encourage them to have children if they don’t know how to take care of them.
A lot of people question my morality of rescuing and having dogs (I’m sure most of them are Malays), I will tell you why I prefer rescuing dogs than rescuing humans in another post. Some of my friends also questioned am I a Muslim because of I’m a dog rescuer, trainer and I have dogs in my house. Well, I have the same question to those who asked me whether I’m a Muslim and question the morality of my effort….
Are You A Muslim?
