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dogs in quran...verses of quran

Reader comment on item: Muslim Taxi Drivers vs. Seeing-Eye Dogs
in response to reader comment: Qur'an 5:4 and dogs for the blinds

Submitted by OH MY GOD (Canada), Aug 25, 2009 at 03:09

http://www.quran-islam.org/119.html

a link to this well written and explained article, for such ...people, that talk and talk and talk... with no knowledge of what is being said... please help yourself and stop freaking out...

Dogs! Are they dirty prohibited animals?

Editor's Note:

It is traditional among Muslims all over the world to regard the dog as a dirty animal that when touched would void the wudu (ablution) and infect the one who touched it with 'nagasah' (dirty impurity)!

Sadly, this concept comes from fabricated hadith which claims that the prophet ordered the killing of dogs and gave numerous hadith that prohibit the keeping of dogs except for hunting and guarding, due to their dirty status!

However, by studying the Quran we find no such truth. Nowhere in the Quran are dogs prohibited, nor is there any mention of any contaminating effect of these lovely animals who are man's best friend. Consequently, we must dismiss all these hadith that fabricate lies against the prophet.

1- God tells us in the Quran about the story of the dwellers of the Cave (Surah 18). In verse 13 God tells us that they were good believers and that God guided them.

In verse 18 God tells us that they had their dog with them.

Now if dogs are prohibited and dirty, would God speak of those dwellers of the Cave (who had a dog) as good believers?

2- In 5:4 God tells us that it is OK to eat what the trained dogs catch (dogs are used in hunting). But if dogs are dirty would God say that it is OK to eat what they catch with their mouths?

3- There is not one verse in the Quran where God says that dogs are dirty or that they are prohibited to keep.

4- Is it logical that God would create an animal to be man's best friend and serve him in many ways, and then prohibit such an animal?

.

The following is a well writen article about the subject by Lydia kelley

.

Dogs : Beyond Traditional Islam

By: Lydia Kelley

.

Why is it that dogs are looked down upon in the so-called Muslim world ? Why has tradition made it so difficult to keep a dog in your home ? Why would a "Muslims" Taxi driver refuse to allow a blind man and his guide dog into his cab ?

Dogs are wonderful creatures of God. They bond with humans, protect them and serve them and that has been true almost since God placed man on earth. Does it make sense then that Muhammed (or any messenger of God) would place prohibitions on these loving creatures when God does not?

How do we know that Muslims are not forbidden to be around dogs? We look at God's word, at the Quran. In the story of the men of the cave in Sura 18, it becomes clear that God sees dogs as part of men's lives.

18:18 "You would think that they were awake, when they were in fact asleep. We turned them to the right side and the left side, while their dog stretched his arms in their midst."

Hadith tells us that angels won't enter a room where there is a dog. That means that for 309 years that the sleepers were in the cave, no angel ever entered. Yet God says "We turned them...." The use of "we" clearly indicates the participation of angels. There is absolutely no reason to mention the dog as part of this story, except to make it clear to future generation that dogs are permitted to live among people, right "in their midst." And 18:22 clearly shows that the dog was counted right along with the believers.

"Some would say, they were three; their dog being the fourth, while others would say, Five; the sixth being their dog, as they guessed. Others said, seven, and the eighth was their dog. Say, My Lord is the best knower of their number. Therefore, do not argue with them; just go along with them. You need not consult anyone about this."

There are books of the Bible that don't make it into all Bibles. They are recognized by some sects but not by others. These are called "apocrypha." One such book is entitles "Tobit." It is a wonderful narrative. It reminds me of Luqmaan in the Quran. A faithful man counsels his son to worship God always, to be righteous, to give charity and never begrudge the gift, to be humble and to be fair in all business dealings. In this book of Tobit, the son, Tobias, goes off on a journey to help his father. God sends with him an angel in the form of a man, and chapter 5 verse 16 says;

"So they went out and departed and the young man's dog was with them." And as they return home, after all the adventure and good things that happen , in chapter: " After this Tobias went on his way, praising God because He had made his journey as success....So they went their way, and the dog went along behind them."

There is no other mention of the dog in the whole narrative. It is just like the people of the cave. There is no reason to mention the dog at all, except to show that it's a perfectly natural thing to be accompanied by your dog. God certainly does not prohibit it.

God has given dogs qualities that make perfect companions and helpmates for humans. The fact that dogs like to be around people and like to please them makes them easy to breed for specific characteristics and to train for a variety of wonderful jobs. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes from the 5" tall, 6 pound Chihuahua to the Mastiff and St. Bernard which may reach 200 pounds. Some dogs are meant to simple be a companion to man, small enough to carry around and sit on your lap. Scientific studies have shown that just petting a dog can lower a person's blood pressure. So their simple companionship is a gift from God.

Beyond that, dogs perform a vast array of wonderful skills. Dogs are excellent herders and guards of sheep and cattle. Some dogs have a natural desire to protect. Police and the military frequently make use of this attribute, using German Shepherds , Dobermans and Rottweilers in their work. Dogs are wonderful in search and rescue. This has gone on for hundreds of years, from the famous St. Bernard of Switzerland finding people lost in the snow and laying down with them to keep them warm (they did not carry a keg of brandy) to modern times, finding survivors in the rubble of earthquakes.

Dogs have always participated in the sporting world, as the Quran attests in 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 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."

Yet according to Hadith, anything a dog touches must be washed seven times, the final time in dust. That seems inconsistent with the Quran saying you may eat what they catch for you. The beautiful bird brought back proudly in the Retriever's mouth would have to be washed seven times, finally in dust. It does not sound very appetizing.

Recently man has come to rely on the dog more for companionship and affection than anything else. And out of that has come the use of dogs as eyes, ears, arms and legs for the disabled. To watch a seeing-eye dog guide a blind person down a busy street or through a crowded mall is a truly inspiring sight. It allows freedom and independence that this person would not otherwise have.

For a deaf person, a hearing-ear dog allows him or her to live alone without fear. The dog can be taught to alert his owner to the doorbell, telephone, alarm clock, and smoke alarm. A deaf couple can respond to their baby crying, for the dog will alert them. The world is not so frightening and they do not feel so alone, with a dog to hear for them.

For someone in a wheelchair, or someone whose arthritis won't allow them to bend or lift, a dog can provide so much help and comfort. The simple act of picking up a dropped objet is something we take for granted. But to a disabled person, it might mean the humiliation of always having to ask for help. With a service dog by his side, that same person achieve independence and self-esteem. The dog is happy to get the pen or the keys or the pill bottle, even if it rolls under a table.

The positive qualities of the dog-loyalty, dependability, tolerance- have been recognized throughout history. Mark Twain said "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." And Lord Byron's epitaph for his dog says "[He] possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence; courage without ferocity; and all the virtues of man without his vices."

And of course the most important trait of all, which Byron missed, is complete and total submission to God for all his life. I think we'd be well served to share our lives more with these wonderful creatures, and learn more from them.

"The heavens and the earth are full of proofs for the believers. Also in your creation, and the creation of all the animals, there are proofs for people who are certain." (45:3-4)

"Among His proofs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the creatures He spreads in them. He is able to summon them, when He wills." (42:29)

Submitting....

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".

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Reader comments (137) on this item

Title Commenter Date Thread
2Muslim cab drivers and guide dogs. [35 words]PrashantMay 23, 2018 00:15243067
Cat fur mistaken for dog fur [137 words]LukeJan 16, 2018 18:36241884
5There cannot be a last book or last prophet (all because of a measly guide dog) [398 words]PrashantDec 8, 2017 21:13241502
3The good news? She was arrested! [120 words]dhimmi no moreOct 2, 2017 07:52240972
1The Prof and dogs! More drama [179 words]dhimmi no moreOct 6, 2017 06:14240972
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1Enough to Make Potential Guide Dog Owners Hesitate to Get One [311 words]JoeNov 20, 2014 07:14219396
1Now it's Islamic Gas Station owners [11 words]TriciaApr 2, 2012 17:44194915
3Islamic etiquette [140 words]ggagcagMar 20, 2012 16:25194603
3Rape Line Taxi [138 words]JaneJan 3, 2014 19:39194603
1Rights of the community [75 words]stheodoreMar 20, 2012 16:25194602
1The Supremacy of the Law [124 words]Jacob SilverFeb 18, 2012 12:21193445
The law is one thing [125 words]scullyMar 21, 2012 17:23193445
reasonable accommodations...? [124 words]csOct 28, 2016 06:09193445
1Strange thing [45 words]HaraldurAug 24, 2011 14:41188816
2How tolerant of you [91 words]scullyMar 21, 2012 17:26188816
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w/response from Daniel Pipes
Ms. KuwaitJun 27, 2011 03:28186827
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8muslims and dogs [75 words]mike vealApr 27, 2011 21:24184622
1You think muslims treat women like dogs? [58 words]kenneth shabazzNov 27, 2013 12:36184622
3Muslim and Dogs...a silly believe [128 words]Muslim GirlOct 8, 2014 19:16184622
5Muslim cab drivers in DC refusing blind passengers with guide dogs [288 words]Ed LearyApr 1, 2011 14:48183803
1Unacceptable Behaviour [24 words]SKumarFeb 15, 2011 08:29182694
1Seeing Eye dog is a gift, to show you the God given intelligence of this creature [94 words]UnacceptableJun 27, 2011 07:26182694
5Don't apply for work that offends your conscience or religion [36 words]Stuart ParsonsAug 20, 2011 07:05182694
7Hypocrites [79 words]BethJan 25, 2011 11:24182035
2It's ignorance [197 words]MaiJun 27, 2011 07:34182035
Taxi Driver needs to read his Quran [109 words]LouiseDec 4, 2010 15:24180699
3Demands by Muslim Taxi drivers [53 words]RajivOct 10, 2010 03:35179132
9Respect our laws or pay the price [116 words]AndreaSep 7, 2010 10:02177776
3Law of the land [95 words]Ali BabaApr 29, 2011 06:02177776
3its crazy [264 words]lee castleAug 17, 2010 09:37176823
4If you don't like it - GO HOME! [71 words]LauraAug 8, 2010 22:35176507
3When in Rome....... [211 words]AnonymousJul 21, 2010 15:08175867
eye [70 words]alainJun 26, 2010 16:42174880
8Why are we allowing any muslims to come to the west, if they can't even stand our dogs let alone us. [273 words]Phil GreendJun 24, 2010 15:32174765
4IS ISLAM THE TRUE FAITH [110 words]BAZBEANSJul 19, 2010 16:16174765
5Canine-ophobia [64 words]VeroniqueOct 9, 2010 00:23174765
2How to stop it? [64 words]scullyMar 21, 2012 17:30174765
1Watch-Dogs Kept Their Eyes Closed? [65 words]Shakker AzhakanJun 24, 2010 05:15174747
Service Dog and Humans Kicked Out of Restaurant [21 words]Dan SchwartzMay 17, 2010 18:34172876
2Terribly offended! [52 words]DamienJul 29, 2009 10:00159403
dogs & islam [18 words]franklin c.Jun 10, 2009 16:26157148
Seeing eye farm animals? [50 words]LynnApr 13, 2009 08:18153811
1What's next? [15 words]PaulApr 14, 2009 12:57153811
no seeing eye dogs in muslim shops [37 words]al gregoryApr 18, 2009 20:01153811
3Forcing Change Upon my heritage. [79 words]AaronPDec 15, 2008 07:33145145
'Reasonable' modifications! [360 words]C CollyerDec 9, 2008 07:18144711
8They can go home [129 words]One who knowsDec 2, 2008 23:25144328
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1dogs and religion [279 words]Sidney RobertsAug 7, 2008 06:58136392
3This is ABSURD. [44 words]Karim BekkoucheJul 17, 2008 18:46135345
I See Nothing But Racism In These Comments [110 words]The WatcherJul 11, 2008 16:34134893
1Perhaps [140 words]B. WilliameJul 17, 2008 09:48134893
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What.... [7 words]john NormanJun 28, 2010 07:56134893
4Fight to the End [102 words]crusaderJun 27, 2008 22:53133632
2Sick and Tired [101 words]anonymousJul 11, 2008 09:43133632
3Burqas and dogs [92 words]john NormanJun 26, 2010 09:05133632
1Insanity [21 words]JonApr 4, 2011 15:01133632
re blind refused ability to use their seeing dogs by muslims [127 words]GabrielleJun 15, 2008 06:37132191
1superstitions [89 words]markJun 12, 2008 09:50131874
1Dog bite [51 words]Richard NormanMar 9, 2008 06:45122147
1be blind in muslim countries [116 words]EngelbrektMar 2, 2008 20:37121573
1What American does not love a Puppy? [73 words]Martin KesslerFeb 21, 2008 21:02120755
3A Canadian solution [45 words]CanukDec 5, 2007 16:41115776
4The Canadian Cop-out! [152 words]Martin KesslerFeb 21, 2008 21:19115776
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islamists can be bigots ! [61 words]Phil GreendMay 27, 2007 22:2894976
1Guilty is not the Cabby, [114 words]AlexAug 16, 2007 19:3094976
taxis & dogs [38 words]alexMay 12, 2007 04:5492603
taxis and dogs [104 words]MikeJun 14, 2007 09:3792603
5Christians Tolerate, Why Can't Muslims [112 words]DebTApr 11, 2007 13:2389026
2Working dogs are not "haram" [113 words]GWApr 10, 2007 15:0188972
Why? [16 words]carterJan 4, 2008 05:2488972
Hadith 16149 [103 words]GWKJan 5, 2008 18:2588972
1Correction -- it is Sahih Bukhari Hadith no. 2986 and Sahih Muslim Hadith no.3928 [24 words]GWKJan 5, 2008 18:3488972
Actually, it's not so simple ... [67 words]E L CarterJan 7, 2008 04:1688972
Carter -- It doesn't make any sense to me, either [320 words]GWKJan 7, 2008 21:4288972
The part about pictures actually is rooted in the 10 commandments [84 words]TimothyMar 7, 2008 14:3888972
It may not only be the alcohol [105 words]Geoffrey LewisFeb 22, 2007 01:2678300
1Qur'an 5:4 and dogs for the blinds [178 words]dhimmi no moreFeb 22, 2007 06:1678300
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30dogs in quran...verses of quran [1662 words]OH MY GODAug 25, 2009 03:0978300
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Regarding Quran verse [51 words]HabibehJul 10, 2012 09:0278300
8dog ( kalb in arabic ) and blood (dam ) in quran are called najess ( unclean ) [153 words]AliDec 5, 2012 13:2678300
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3We need to ban Muslims before this goes any farther [19 words]daleNov 29, 2006 20:5367808
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2See eye told you !!! [171 words]dfwhiteNov 25, 2006 21:2767354
1trying to fight fascists with understanding and compassion will lead to a world without these values.. [197 words]Jon FitzgeraldNov 5, 2006 14:4465304
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1Surprise to me [123 words]AnnOct 12, 2007 23:4265063
1dogs and alchohol. [49 words]derekOct 20, 2006 23:4563299
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re guide dogs [39 words]josephOct 13, 2006 09:4860132
4More garbage we have to deal with from the Muslims(TAXI) drivers [97 words]Betty GOct 12, 2006 11:4660012
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2where are the authorities? [30 words]BethOct 11, 2006 02:5259432
5no dogs, no pigs, yes cats are allowed for muslims [472 words]jonnyhOct 11, 2006 08:5659432
1PC INSANITY [87 words]dfwhiteOct 11, 2006 17:2459432
2I wiil say it again : [245 words]dfwhiteOct 11, 2006 20:2959432
2you're permitted to have your beliefs, BUT [125 words]BethOct 15, 2006 08:2759432
1Totally agree [68 words]Jim W.Jan 19, 2007 22:4059432
1you are MISSING the point! [136 words]dog loverMar 2, 2007 23:2659432
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1Actually, you are wrong Sarah [54 words]KlewDec 5, 2007 18:4559432
Sarah is right..... [73 words]YnnatchkahDec 5, 2007 23:1659432
1Sad State of affairs [156 words]WilliamFeb 19, 2008 12:3859432
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Hmmm [127 words]MeJun 20, 2008 01:5559432
Correct me if I'm wrong............ [92 words]TimothyJun 20, 2008 17:2659432
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1How difficult is knowing Islam? [177 words]tedJun 28, 2010 01:4359432
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2Animals and [200 words]Muhammad Ali or Ali BabaApr 29, 2011 05:2759432
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Dogs in times of earthquakes [27 words]FredJan 28, 2015 08:1159432

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Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".

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