Dogs in the Islamic Tradition: A Revisionist Examination

This article examines the roles and representations of dogs in Islam by focusing on their place in four manifestations of the Islamic tradition: the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, Muhammad al-Damiris The Great Life of Animals , and Sufism. Whereas many Muslims and non-Muslims alike believe that dogs have a low status in Islam, these four sources offer an abundance of positive material about the canine that challenges this view. They also reveal that Muslim scholars have debated much of the contentious material concerning dogs, often forming opinions in response to it that are favorable to the creature. Paying greater attention to the nuances and complexity of the discourses on dogs and their images within the Islamic tradition can help improve understanding of dogs therein and inspire dog-friendly attitudes among modern Muslims.