A Scientific Analysis of the Islamic Rules on the Uncleanliness of Dogs from the Perspective of Medical Parasitology

Abstract

Introduction: A dog is an animal that is usually kept as a pet and is often allowed to live indoors. However, the issue of the uncleanliness of dogs is an important matter of jurisprudence, and it is necessary to understand the ruling on their uncleanliness. Some people argue that considering dogs unclean is against their rights. The respectful treatment of such issues, especially for those who are not qualified to comment on religious issues, has raised doubts and uncertainties about the nature of certain religious tenets. On the other hand, the hadiths (traditions) of the infallibles clearly mention the uncleanliness of dogs. In the field of medical parasitology, dogs play an important role in the transmission of parasitic diseases such as hydatid cysts and toxocara. Method: This descriptive-analytical study aims to investigate the views of religious jurists on the uncleanliness of dogs and the effects of dogs on human health from a medical -parasitological and Islamic perspective. Results: According to the sciences of medical parasitology and Islam, the dog has a great impact on the pathogenesis of human diseases mediated by contact with the feces and urine of this animal. Conclusion: In accordance with religious traditions about dogs, their impurity is indisputable. Many parasitic diseases in humans, such as hydatid cysts, toxocara, etc., can be transmitted to humans through the feces of dogs. Therefore, the uncleanliness of dogs is also important in terms of health and Islamic rules.