Why are Muslims permitted to keep dogs as pets (provided they are left outside their houses) while pigs are not permitted as pets at all, considering both animals are not pure in Islam?

 In Islam, the treatment of dogs and pigs is guided by specific principles, although the perception of these animals varies among scholars and individuals. Let’s explore the reasons behind these differences:

1. Dogs:

   • Ritual Impurity: Most Muslim scholars agree that the saliva of a dog is ritually impure. Objects or persons that come into contact with a dog’s saliva require washing seven times, as mentioned in the hadith.
   • Prevention of Disease: Some scholars view this practice as a common-sense method to prevent the spread of disease.
   • Hadith Warnings: There are hadiths that caution against keeping dogs as pets. For instance:
     • “Whoever keeps a dog, his good deeds will decrease every day by one qeeraat, unless it is a dog for farming or herding.”
     • “Angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or an animate picture.”
   • Exceptions: Working or service dogs (such as guide dogs) are allowed because they serve essential functions.

2. Pigs:

   • Pigs are explicitly prohibited in Islam due to their impurity.
   • The Qur’an categorizes them as “unclean” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:173).
   • Their meat is considered haram (forbidden) for consumption.
   • Spiritual Symbolism: Pigs are associated with impurity and negative traits in various religious traditions, not just Islam.

3. Companion Animals:

   • Some Muslims argue that dogs can be loyal companions deserving of care and companionship.
   • The Qur’an mentions a group of believers seeking shelter in a cave, protected by a canine companion (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:18).
   • Prey caught by hunting dogs is permissible to eat without further purification (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:4).

4. Mercy and Compassion:

   • Islam emphasizes mercy toward all creatures.
   • There are stories of people forgiven for their past sins due to their kindness to dogs.
     • For example, a prostitute was forgiven for giving water to a thirsty dog.
     • Another story involves a man who showed mercy to a dog and was forgiven.

5. Practical Considerations:

   • While dogs are allowed for specific purposes (such as guarding or herding), they are not treated as family members.
   • Muslims recognize that pets are not equivalent to humans and do not have the same status.

In summary, the treatment of dogs and pigs in Islam is multifaceted, considering both ritual purity and practical aspects. While dogs can serve specific roles, pigs remain strictly forbidden due to their inherent impurity.