No, the word "dog" is not explicitly mentioned by that specific word in the Quran.
While the word "dog" itself doesn't appear, related concepts and narratives involving dogs are present and have influenced Islamic interpretations regarding their role and treatment.
Here's a breakdown:
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Story of the Companions of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf): This is the most prominent reference. The Quran (Surah Al-Kahf, verse 18) mentions a dog accompanying the believers who sought refuge in a cave: "And you would think them awake, while they were asleep. And We turned them on their right and on their left sides, and their dog stretching out its forelegs at the entrance. If you had looked at them, you would have certainly turned away from them in flight and have been filled with awe of them." This story highlights a dog's loyalty and companionship.
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Hunting with Dogs: The Quran (Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 4) addresses the permissibility of eating animals caught by trained hunting animals, including dogs: "They ask you, [O Muhammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, "Lawful for you are [all] good foods and [game caught by] what you have trained of hunting animals which you train as Allah has taught you. So eat of what they catch for you, and mention the name of Allah upon it, and fear Allah." This verse indicates that dogs can be trained and used for hunting, and the meat they catch is permissible to eat if slaughtered properly.
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Differing Interpretations: Despite these references, interpretations of Islamic teachings regarding dogs vary. Some traditions emphasize ritual purity and consider dogs to be unclean, while others focus on kindness to animals and the permissibility of keeping dogs for specific purposes like guarding and hunting.
Therefore, although the specific word "dog" is absent, the Quran contains narratives and principles that address the role and treatment of dogs within an Islamic context, leading to a spectrum of interpretations among Muslims.
