The recent statement made by anti-Israel activist Nerdeen Kiswani has stirred up a heated debate about the Islamic belief on dogs as indoor pets. According to Kiswani, the current dog poop crisis in New York City only confirms the long-standing Islamic belief that dogs should not be kept as pets indoors.
Kiswani’s statement has caused a lot of backlash and has been met with strong criticism from various communities. However, she has claimed that her statement was meant as a joke and has since apologized for any offense caused.
But the question remains, what is the Islamic belief on keeping dogs as pets and is there any truth to Kiswani’s claim?
Islam is a religion that is known for its strong emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene. Many Islamic practices revolve around keeping oneself clean and pure, both physically and spiritually. In this light, the issue of keeping dogs as pets has been a topic of debate among Muslims for centuries.
Some sects within Islam believe that dogs are impure and should not be kept as pets, while others view dogs as loyal companions and allow them to be kept as pets. However, the majority of scholars agree that dogs should not be kept as indoor pets due to their tendency to make the house impure.
This belief stems from the story of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companion, Abu Hurayrah. According to Islamic tradition, Abu Hurayrah had a dog that he used to keep for hunting. However, when the Prophet paid him a visit, he advised him to get rid of the dog and not keep it in the house. This incident has been interpreted to mean that dogs should not be kept as indoor pets in order to maintain the purity of the house.
But, does this mean that dogs should be banned as indoor pets in Islamic communities?
Absolutely not. It is important to note that this belief is not an Islamic law but a recommendation based on maintaining cleanliness. It is up to the individual to decide whether or not to keep a dog as a pet.
Furthermore, the Islamic belief on cleanliness also applies to other animals, not just dogs. This includes cats, which are beloved pets in many Muslim households. Just like dogs, cats are also considered to be impure and require special measures to keep the house clean.
So, it is not fair to single out dogs and claim that Islam advocates for their ban as indoor pets. The issue of cleanliness is a universal one and is not specific to one particular animal.
However, Kiswani’s statement has sparked a much-needed conversation about responsible pet ownership and the importance of cleanliness in our communities. The dog poop crisis in New York City is a real issue that needs to be addressed, and it is a wake-up call for all pet owners to be more responsible and considerate.
In addition, it is important to note that Islam also teaches compassion and kindness towards animals. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is known to have shown great love and care towards animals, especially dogs. He even said, “If someone kills a sparrow for sport, the sparrow will cry out on the Day of Judgment, ‘O Lord! That person killed me in vain!'”
Therefore, it is important for us to strike a balance between maintaining cleanliness and showing compassion towards animals. In no way does Islam advocate for the mistreatment or ban of any animal, including dogs.
In conclusion, the statement made by Nerdeen Kiswani has caused a lot of controversy and has been met with rightful criticism. While her words were meant as a joke, it is important for us to use this opportunity to educate ourselves and others on the true belief of Islam on keeping dogs as pets. Let us all strive to be responsible pet owners and maintain cleanliness in our homes and communities. As the saying goes, “Cleanliness is half of faith.”