Animals are from the creation of Allah and we don’t look upon animals poorly; rather, we are duty-bound, as Muslims, to treat animals in a dignified, humane and merciful manner. Allah's Messenger ﷺ (peace be upon him) said,

A prostitute was forgiven by Allah, because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it. So, Allah forgave her because of that.

Sahih al-Bukhari, 3321

Killing dogs

Abdallah ibn Umar said:

Allah's Messenger ﷺ (peace be upon him) ordered to kill dogs, and he sent (men) to the corners of Medina that they should be killed.

Sahih Muslim, 1570b

It is important to clarify what kind of dogs are referred to in this narration, as well as the general context. The dogs referred to here are packs of wild dogs that wander around towns and cities and are a nuisance to the community and a health risk. They carry and spread illnesses, just like rats do, and cause a lot of inconvenience to people. The killing of dangerous animals or disease spreading animals is common and accepted throughout the world.

Based on all the overall evidence, the jurists have mentioned that the command to kill dogs is only permissible if it is predatory and harmful. However, a harmless dog, regardless of colour, may not be killed.

Purity

The saliva of dogs is impure according to the majority of Muslim scholars, as is their fur according to some. One of the most prominent teachings of Islam is purity on all levels, so this was a consideration, as was the fact that angels do not frequent a place where there are dogs. That is because of the words of the Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him):

The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or an image.

Sahih al-Bukhari, 3322

Keeping dogs as pets

Islam forbids Muslims to keep dogs as pets. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ (peace be upon him) said:

If anyone owns a dog except a sheepdog, a hunting dog, or a farm dog, a qirat (a certain amount) of his reward will be deducted daily.

Sahih Muslim, 1574g

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