Are dogs acceptable pets, Muslim scholars ask?
Egypt’s Grand Mufti says they are. Others are dogmatically opposed
AMONG THE many controversies that divide Muslim thinkers, the status of dogs is a minor one. But every now and then the debate is renewed. Earlier this month Egypt’s grand mufti, Shawki Allam, weighed in on the side of man’s best friend. Whereas some interpretations of Islam deem dogs impure, Mr Allam says: “It is possible to coexist with a dog and still worship God.” Citing the Maliki school of Islam, he claims that every living animal is pure.
This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Bone of contention”
From the August 29th 2020 edition
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