Is the Hadith About Black Dogs Being Devils Authentic?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

Is the hadith stating that black dogs are devils authentic? If so, how should it be understood, given what we know about dog behavior?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Based on all the available evidence, the jurists have stated that the order to kill dogs is only justified if the dogs are predatory and harmful. However, a harmless dog, regardless of its color, cannot be killed.

Scholars have indicated that the command to kill dogs was abrogated and referenced in many hadiths. It was reported that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) commanded the killing of dogs, but that was later abrogated, except for pure black dogs. After that, killing any harmless dog became prohibited. In summary, it is only permissible to kill a dog that poses a threat. [al-Mawsu‘a al-Fiqhiyya al-Kuwaytiyya]

Allah Most is Our Source of Morality

Allah Most High is our source of morality, inspired by the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) as our guide. It is through Him that we gain greater insight into life, creation, and the distinction between right and wrong. Our task is to acknowledge and submit.

While we recognize the Allah-given loyalty in most dogs, we should not allow this to cloud our judgment that every dog is inherently loyal and incapable of being harmful. Read the links below for a broader and deeper understanding.

It’s crucial to recognize that the belief that encountering a black dog or cat leads to misfortune is a superstition Muslims should reject. A Muslim should fear Allah and understand that only Allah grants blessings and protects against harm.

Please go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, they will provide you with guidance and direction.

Related: Can You Explain the Reason for Killing Black Dogs?

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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.