What does the Quran say about dogs?

In Islamic tradition, dogs are generally viewed as permissible animals but with certain considerations. While the Quran doesn't extensively discuss dogs, there are a few references and principles that guide attitudes towards them:

Permissibility: The Quran does not explicitly declare dogs as impure animals. Therefore, owning or interacting with dogs is generally allowed in Islam.

Loyalty and Utility: The Quran mentions the loyalty and usefulness of dogs in certain contexts. For example, in the story of the Companions of the Cave (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:18), a dog is portrayed as guarding the entrance to the cave where the young men sought refuge.

Hygiene Considerations: While the Quran itself doesn't discuss the issue of impurity related to dogs, some interpretations stem from Hadith literature. Some Islamic scholars interpret certain Hadith to suggest that saliva from dogs renders items impure and necessitates cleansing before prayer. However, interpretations vary among different schools of Islamic thought, and not all Muslims adhere to these views.

Working Dogs: The Quran acknowledges the use of dogs for hunting purposes. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:4), hunting animals are considered lawful, and dogs are mentioned among the permissible means for hunting.

Overall, the Quran does not explicitly condemn or praise dogs but rather emphasizes their utility and loyalty in certain contexts. The issue of purity related to dogs is more elaborately discussed in Hadith literature and subsequent Islamic jurisprudence.