The general understanding in Islam, based on authentic hadith, is that angels (specifically angels of mercy and blessings) do not enter a house where there is a dog.
This understanding stems from hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him). A well-known hadith recounts how the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) was delayed in visiting the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and the Prophet later learned that the delay was due to a dog being present in his house.
However, it's crucial to clarify several points:
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Not all angels: The hadith generally refer to angels of mercy and blessings. These are the angels that typically visit homes to bring blessings and write down good deeds. This doesn't necessarily mean that all angels are prevented from entering, such as the angel of death.
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Working dogs are exceptions: Islamic scholars often make exceptions for dogs that serve a purpose, such as guarding livestock, protecting crops, or hunting. Keeping dogs for these legitimate reasons is generally permissible, and it's argued that the prohibition may not apply as strongly in such cases.
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Cleanliness: Islamic teachings emphasize cleanliness, and dogs were traditionally seen as ritually impure (najis). However, even with modern hygiene practices, the general avoidance of keeping dogs inside the house, if possible, is often maintained out of reverence for the hadith.
In summary: While there is a general understanding that angels of mercy and blessings do not enter a house where a dog is present, this understanding is subject to interpretation and context, especially regarding working dogs and the type of angels referred to. The key point is that Muslims should strive to maintain cleanliness and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to the best of their ability.
