did you know......

Could you call a mosque on the phone or go see in person and ask to verify what your friend said was accurate?  Also ask whomever you talk to if they have any suggestions to help keep things civil.  You haven't done anything wrong, and you shouldn't have to hide your dogs.  Hope things settle, and work out peaceably.   Jules

i dont know for certain but i tend to think its accurate info because one of his closest friends is muslim and altho she likes dogs, her parents will not have them in the house and that is why. 

The reason many Muslims dislike dogs is that traditionally they have been seen as unclean and impure.    Muhammed had particular beliefs about dogs that he incorporated in his teachings, which is how these views came to be spread.   Some say these beliefs were superstitions, some say they are logical responses to material conditions of the times.   Muhammed said he wanted dogs killed (he later changed his mind) after  Gabriel would not meet Allah's Messenger because he would not enter a house with dogs, not because of any worship issues but because of cleanliness issues.  The historical reality is that stray dogs were probably a problem in Medina and perhaps that is why he wished to banish dogs for a time.  There are many other hadiths warning against ownership of and contact with dogs, but there are also hadiths mandating kindness to animals and requiring that you do take care of the dogs you have.

It is not haraam (prohibited by faith) to keep dogs if they  have a job - police dogs, hunting, guard dog, etc., and (in my interpretation) petting/playing with dogs is fine too, but there are specific conditions that must be adhered to with regard to cleanliness.  However, there are conflicting views about the extent to which dogs are acceptable and whether or not it is haraam to keep dogs as pets and the cleanliness requirements are so rigorous that handling dogs is a big chore.

The teachings of Islam are open to interpretation and there is a lot of debate and disagreements within Muslim communities about these interpretations.   It is also important to remember that all cultures have some animals that are seen as unclean, gross and are generally avoided.   Rats, for example.   A lot of Muslim people avoid dogs for cultural reasons, just as I avoid rats for cultural reasons - I've been raised to think they're creepy and I can't get over it.

I hope you guys can work it out.

Okay all that aside they ARE in the US now, and to yell at an American for having a dog is beyond rediculous!!!!!!  As if you are the only psycho with a dog and its their job to let you know!?  They seriously need to mind their own business and ignore you if they dont like it.  Unfortunatly, I would have to say to them to please leave me alone, refrain from yelling at me or having anything to do with the fact that I have a dog.  I would just ignore them or politely ask that they leave you alone... and if they continue to be irate and yell at you about it, I would report it just in case... maybe the police or something can better convince them to, err, MAKE them leave you alone.

From Bukhari
Vol. 3, #515 - Narrated Abu Huraira:  "Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever keeps a dog, one Qirat of the reward of his good deeds is deducted daily, unless the dog is used for guarding a farm or cattle."   Abu Huraira (in another narration) said from the Prophet, "unless it is used for guarding sheep or farms, or for hunting." Narrated Abu Hazim from Abu Huraira:   The Prophet said, "A dog for guarding cattle or for hunting.""
 
From Bukhari
Vol. 7, #390 - Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar:  "I heard the Prophet saying, "If someone keeps a dog neither for hunting, nor for guarding livestock, the reward (for his good deeds) will be reduced by two Qirats per day.""
 

p.s.  Your neighbour might also just be really scared of dogs if he hasn't been exposed to them.   My mom - who isn't Muslim - used to yell at people to get their dogs away from her and would have freaked out if our neighbour let their dog anywhere near her.   She was just plain terrified.   When we got our first bichon puppy it weighed about 5 lbs and she was convinced it was going to kill her.

quotes from a couple websites:
 
From Bukhari
Vol. 1, #490 - Narrated 'Aisha:  "The things which annul the prayers were mentioned before me.  They said, "Prayer is annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of the praying people)."  I said, "You have made us (i.e. women) dogs.  I saw the Prophet praying while I used to lie in my bed between him and the Qibla.  Whenever I was in need of something, I would slip away, for I disliked to face him.""
 
 
From Bukhari
Vol. 1, #490 - Narrated 'Aisha:  "The things which annul the prayers were mentioned before me.  They said, "Prayer is annulled by a dog, a donkey and a woman (if they pass in front of the praying people)."  I said, "You have made us (i.e. women) dogs.  I saw the Prophet praying while I used to lie in my bed between him and the Qibla.  Whenever I was in need of something, I would slip away, for I disliked to face him.""
 
From Bukhari
Vol. 4, #448 - Narrated Abu Talha:  "I heard Allah's Apostle saying; "Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (a human being or an animal).""
 Animal Abuse and Welfare in Islam
by Dr. Ayoub M. Banderker (BVMCh),
veterinary surgeon

Animal abuse, cruelty, and/or neglect form part of the many social ills plaguing the Muslim community.

Last Ramadaan, I wrote an article highlighting the phenomenon whereby misinformed Muslims took their dogs (and/or cats) to the animal hospitals or mobile clinics during Ramadaan, to have them put to death by lethal injection. The reason given by the majority of these Muslims was that Islam forbids them to keep a dog. Also encountered was when an animal that had been ill for a prolonged time and the disease had progressed to an almost terminal state was it only then brought in for veterinary attention. When asked why they waited so long, the Muslim owner would use Islam as a reason, stating that it is not permissible to touch a dog. This still happens.


 

ORIGINAL: inne

p.s. Your neighbour might also just be really scared of dogs if he hasn't been exposed to them. My mom - who isn't Muslim - used to yell at people to get their dogs away from her and would have freaked out if our neighbour let their dog anywhere near her. She was just plain terrified. When we got our first bichon puppy it weighed about 5 lbs and she was convinced it was going to kill her.

I suspect this is far more likely. Or that this person has had dogs sicced on him or her in the past. A lot of very ignorant people teach racism to their dogs, teaching them to attack people of color.

Inne, thank you for all your information. I was engaged to a Muslim man for a while and was a part of his family and they had no problem with dogs at all, in fact, loved them. This was an Iranian/American family, and the degree of religiousness in the family varied by member, just like any family. His mom even wrote books about Islam, his uncle was a psychiatrist at a local hospital and was very circumspect about his religion.

Jaye, have you tried talking to them when the dog is not around? Do you have any other neighbors who have a very good relationship with them who could help get some useful dialogue going?

actually, this particular family, and i know not all of them are like this, hate americans.  they absolutely will not talk to me.  if i even say hello to them they GLARE at me.  i am not exaggerating.  there is no way i can talk to them.

I think it's probably true that they're just scared of dogs.  They were raised in an environment where dogs just aren't accepted as part of the family unit.  That being said, these people need to get with the program and realize that here, things are different. Nobody is going to make them have a dog in their home if they don't want one, but if they ever plan on visiting someone else in their home they need to be aware that they'll most likely be greeted at the door by a dog.  If they ever spend a day in any park, they'll most likely find many dogs playing ball or frisbee. If your dog is pretty mellow, maybe they'll be agreeable to give making friends a try.

Joyce & Max

I, personally, would shout "no" back at them and continue on your marry way. If they continue, you might tell them they are harrassing you and your attourney will get involved if they don't leave you alone.

ORIGINAL: jaye

... insist that i keep them inside at all times and not ever bring them outside.  they wont even discuss it nicely with me, they just yell and then walk away. 

not to be argumentative, but if you have tried to proceed nicely, next time tell them to f*** off. they have no right to tell you what you can do and not do in your own yard.

well, it isnt exactly my own yard, i live in an apartment, but they have already complained the manager and she explained that as long as it is on a leash i am within my rights to walk a dog anywhere on the grounds.  i do make a oint to go quickly by their apartment when i pass by and to avoid going anywhere in sight of them if possible whenever they are outside, out of consideration for them because i know, for whatever reason, they dont like dogs.  i dont have to do this.  they dont even know i do this cause they refuse to communicate.

ORIGINAL: jeano


Jaye, have you tried talking to them when the dog is not around? Do you have any other neighbors who have a very good relationship with them who could help get some useful dialogue going?

 
sorry i missed this question before, but the answer is no, they arent civil to anyone in the neighborhood actually.