Support IslamQA

Please contribute generously in order to ensure the continuity of our website InshaAllah.

Dogs as food

23-01-1999

Question 1101

A Muslim kept a watchdog. When it became old, he called in some non-muslim, dog-eating people from a neighbouring tribe and gave them the dog, so they would slaughter and eat it. The dog sensed it and was distressed, but the tribal people thanked him for his kindness towards them. Has the Muslim acted correctly?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

It is not permissible to eat dogs, or to give them to people who will eat them, because it is haraam to eat them or to help anyone else to eat them. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every animal that has fangs is haraam.” (Reported by Muslim from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him). According to a hadeeth narrated by Abu Tha’labah al-Khashani (may Allaah be pleased with him), “the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade the eating of every carnivorous animal that has fangs.” (Agreed upon). Dogs are carnivores that have fangs. You have to repent to Allaah for what you have done, and Allaah is the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Food & Nourishment
Show on Islam Q&A website.