Assalamu alaikum

I am a recent revert to Islam, I live and work on a cattle
ranch and own a dog that helps me move cattle and
guards my house while I am away.

The Imam at Mosque is attempting to get me to move
closer to the Mosque (I do live 75 miles away) and I
would like to do that, I would be much closer to the
brothers.

The problem is the issue with my dog, the Prophet
(peace be upon him) said for us not to keep a dog as a
pet, and to kill the pure black one's, but to have mercy
on the others.

I have been attempting to find him a new home, but
have been unsuccessful, it has gotten to the point to
where the only alternative would be to take him to the
pound where he would be destroyed. That does not
seem merciful to me.

I am deeply troubled by this, inshaAllah I will find the
solution... if anyone has advice for me please email me
directly.
[email protected]

Up until now I have followed the Path as best I can,
have done everything I have been instructed to do, I
just cannot justify the killing of this dog just because
of the Path I have chosen to follow.

Thank-you in advance.

Rafiq

Salaamu alaikum,

You could still keep the dog, just keep it outside and use it as a watch dog, as it will bark to let you know if anyone steps on your property. If you're moving to an apartment, that's a different matter. Just keep trying until you find it a home and move whenever you have to, even if the dog has to live in a section of the apartment until you find it a new home, because Allah knows your intentions, as long as your intentions clearly are to find it a home. Put an ad in the newspaper classifieds, that will probably get someone interested. And don't forget the obvious - pray for a good home for the dog.

As salaamu alaikum

Dear Rafiq,
First of all, what do you want to do most in your life? Do you enjoy your job? Then why move? Because you are lonely? Why is the Imam is trying to persuade you to move closer to the mosque? What is HIS motivation? As you will hear over and over again from your fellow muslims, look in the Quran for the answers. I suggest you spend a great deal of time reading the Quran VERY thoroughly over and over before you let anyone else indoctrinate you, including your immam, and make sure what you read is giving you peace in your heart and love for ALL your fellow man and ALL earths creatures. If not, think again!

Sorry this is just a side note..but I don't remember the Prophet ever saying anything about killing black dogs..I believe he respected them as Allah's creatures. Am I misinformed?