Killing of Dogs in Islam

"The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) ordered killing of the dogs, and then said: What about them, i. e. about other dogs? and then granted concession (to keep) the dog for hunting and the dog for (the security) of the herd, and said: When the dog licks the utensil, wash it seven times, and rub it with earth the eighth time."

(From Muslim Book #002, Hadith #0551 - Other ref for killing of dogs: Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 54, Hadith no. 540; Sahih Muslim: Book 010, Hadith no. 3809, 3810 & 3811)


The order was to kill biting rabid and voracious dogs (Sahih Bukhari: Volume 3, Book 29, Hadith no. 54; Volume 3, Book 29, Hadith no. 55; Volume 4, Book 54, Hadith no. 531; Sahih Muslim: Book 007, Hadith no. 2717, 2718 & 2719; Sunan Abu Dawud: Book 10, Hadith no. 1844)

The killing of the rabid dogs also applied to other creatures and animals that were dangerous as well. e.g. wolves (Read Ibn Hajar Al Asqalani's Fathul Bari, Kitab: Al Hajj, Bab: Ma Yuqtal Al Muhharam min al Dawaab, Commentary on Hadith no. 1698)

In the pre-Islamic era, dogs were an inseparable part of the Arabs. The negative instincts of dogs have crept into their lives.

The prophet (pbuh) came to reform them and in order to achieve that, he had to separate them from the inseparable, that is; dogs. He had to create a resentment of dogs in their hearts by emphasizing in strongest terms like killing. He also ordered to wash the utensils seven times from which a dog drank.

After the Sahaaba understood the order and resented dogs, separated them from their daily activities, he said, 'I have no problem with dogs'. He granted leniency in washing the utensils from 7 times to 3 times. After all, using hunting dogs is permissible and dogs are mentioned in the Quran.

Ref: Hadith Showing Dogs Not Being Killed

They used to see dogs urinating on the floor of the mosque and they just sprinkled water on the spot, they didn't go and kill the dog. (Sahih Bukhari: Volume 001, Book 004, Hadith Number 174)

There are hadith which showed people quenched the thirst of a thirsty dog and they got rewarded for it. The Prophet even stressed that there was a reward for one who serves any living being, including animals. (Sahih Bukhari: Volume 001, Book 004, Hadith Number 174; Malik Muwatta: Book 49, Number 49.10.23)

Ordering a dog to be kicked out and not killed. (Abu Dawud: Book 32, Number 4146)

Wallahu'alam