What kind of pets can I keep in my house?
The Qur'an and hadith provide guidance on the types of animals that can be kept as pets. In Surah Al-Maaida, Allah states: They ask thee (O Muhammad) what is made lawful for them. Say: (all) good things are made lawful for you.
5:4 This indicates that generally, good and permissible animals can be kept.
In relation specifically to dogs, there are specific teachings found in the hadith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: Whoever keeps a dog in their home except a sheepdog or a hunting dog, two qirats are deducted daily from their deeds.
Sahih Muslim 22:67 This suggests that keeping dogs that serve a purpose, such as herding or hunting, is permissible, while keeping them as mere pets without function may not be favored.
In contrast, cats are viewed more favorably in Islam. There is a narration that states: A cat does not break prayer because it is part of the household possessions.
Sunan Ibn Majah 2:103 This indicates that cats are generally accepted as suitable pets within a household.
Moreover, the Shia tradition also supports the permissibility of certain pets, as noted in Al-Kafi, where it discusses keeping birds and mentions specific kinds such as the Warshan, which is appreciated for its remembrance of Allah.
In summary, it is generally acceptable to keep pets like cats and certain trained dogs in your home, while the keeping of other animals may depend on their purpose and function.
Sources
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5:4 · Al-Maaida
5:4 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ مَاذَآ أُحِلَّ لَهُمْ ۖ قُلْ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتُ ۙ وَمَا عَلَّمْتُم مِّنَ ٱلْجَوَارِحِ مُكَلِّبِينَ تُعَلِّمُونَهُنَّ مِمَّا عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ ۖ فَكُلُوا۟ مِمَّآ أَمْسَكْنَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ ۖ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ
They ask thee (O Muhammad) what is made lawful for them. Say: (all) good things are made lawful for you. And those beasts and birds of prey which ye have trained as hounds are trained, ye teach them that which Allah taught you; so eat of that which they catch for you and mention Allah's name upon it, and observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is swift to take account.
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Sahih Muslim 22:67
Sahih Muslim · Book 22, Hadith 67 · Narrated by Salem's father
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever keeps a dog in their home except a sheepdog or a hunting dog, two qirats are deducted daily from their deeds."
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Sunan Ibn Majah 2:103
Sunan Ibn Majah · Book 2, Hadith 103 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: A cat does not break prayer because it is part of the household possessions.
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