Dogs

in the Quran?

Dogs in the Quran??? Aren’t they dirty (Najis)?!!

I heard this from a Muslim friend. So I told him to read the Quran and find out what God says about dogs.

It is interesting to know that dogs are mentioned in the Quran many times, not just once, in verses 5:4, 7:176, 18:18 and 18:22 (3 times). NOWHERE does God call the dogs dirty animals or give any indication that they should be avoided or treated the way many Muslims think they should. Actually, the story of the people of the cave in Sura 18 gives the indication that we should appreciate them. When the number of the people of the cave, 3, 5 or 7 were mentioned in the Quran, God insisted every time on letting us know that their dog was

there with them. Their story can be as complete without the mention of the dog, but God did, why?

God is telling us these righteous people were in the cave with their dog. If it were not righteous to have dogs, God would not have told us that story in which the dog has to be remembered as being there. We have to know the quality of God, if we are to worship Him correctly. When God says something He means it, and when he does not, he means it as much. If God did not curse the dog and call it all kinds of name, it is because God wants us to know that He created that beautiful creature and He expects us to make all use and companionship with that animal that accompanied these righteous people of the cave.

Fabricated hadiths contradict the Quran. Many of these hadiths were narrated by Abu Hurayra. Abu Hurayra, whose name is translated as “father of the little cat,” apparently hated dogs and women. He narrated many hadiths that insulted women and cursed the dogs. He made them undesirable animals that need to be avoided and even killed.

These fabricated hadiths were unfortunately and falsely attributed to the prophet Muhammad who could not utter but the teachings of the Quran. Muhammad would only be a living example of the Quran itself. Therefore, God’s messenger who lived by the Quran could not have done anything but agree with the Quran, not contradict it. God gave us a great criterion to judge His truth from the man-made fabrications.

“...If it were from other than God, they would have found in it numerous contradictions.” (4:82)

Can we be that Judge? We have to.

Malika A.

[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 GOD's teachings. You may eat what they catch for you, and mention GOD's name thereupon. You shall observe GOD. GOD is most efficient in reckoning.