For Muslim families looking to own a lovable pet in their homes, it’s important to understand which animals are considered halal (permissible) to keep according to Islamic teachings. Islam guides various aspects of life, including the types of pets that are allowed.
We have provided you with a list of animals that are accepted as halal pets in Islam, as well as we have provided you the reasons why they are considered to be kept as pets.
Here is the list below you can check if your favorite pet is halal to keep or not:
1. Cat
Cats make wonderful halal (permissible) pet companions for Muslim families. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) treated cats with kindness and mercy. He taught that a woman was punished for mistreating a cat by locking it up without food or water until it died.
This shows how important it is to be kind and caring towards all Allah’s creatures, including cats. Cats are neat animals that help keep homes free of mice and other pests. They are low maintenance, making them ideal family pets that don’t require too much work.
We have written a separate article on cats check this link below:
Are Cats Haram or Halal as a Pet in Islam?
2. Parrot
Parrots are among the halal pets allowed in Islam. These colorful and intelligent birds have been mentioned in the Quran itself:
وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ خَلْقُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفُ أَلْسِنَتِكُمْ وَأَلْوَٰنِكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّلْعَـٰلِمِينَ Meaning: “And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your tongues and colors. Verily, in that are indeed Signs for those who know.” (Quran 30:22) Reference: Chapter (30) sūrat l-rūm (The Romans)
Scholars interpret this verse as Allah’s creation of the diversity in languages and colors of creatures like parrots being a sign of His wisdom. Parrots are admired for their ability to mimic human speech and sounds. They make engaging pets for Muslim families who can care for their unique needs.
3. Fish
In our religion Islam, it’s totally fine to keep fish as pets. Having a home aquarium with fish that are considered halal is not only allowed but also seen as a good thing. Many people find joy and blessings in keeping fish as pets. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a peaceful and beautiful pet option.
4. Buffalo
The big buffalo is a halal animal that can be kept as a pet, although it needs a lot of space and care because of its massive size. Buffaloes are like cows – domesticated cattle that Muslims are allowed to own. There are no specific Islamic teachings that say buffaloes cannot be pets.
5. Duck
Ducks are among the halal animals that can be kept as pets according to Islamic teachings. Like chickens, ducks are a type of domesticated poultry. Ducks require a water source but can make excellent, low-maintenance outdoor pets that provide companionship and fresh eggs for Muslim families.
6. Rabbit
Most Islamic scholars agree that rabbits are halal to keep as pets. The Quran and hadith don’t talk about rabbits directly, but they are harmless plant-eating creatures with no violent traits. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) compared a believer’s safety to the innocence of a rabbit. So Muslims can happily keep these adorable furry pets.
If you want to read the full article on rabbits here is the link:
Rabbits Halal As Pet in Islam?
7. Horse
Horses are highly revered halal animals in Islam with many references to them in the Quran and hadith. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a great love for horses.
Here is the related verse:
وَٱلۡخَيۡلَ وَٱلۡبِغَالَ وَٱلۡحَمِيرَ لِتَرۡكَبُوهَا وَزِينَةٗۚ وَيَخۡلُقُ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ English Meaning: “And [He created] the horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and [as] adornment. And He creates that which you do not know.” Complete Reference: Surah AN-Nahl Ayat 8 (16:8 Quran)
This verse highlights that horses have been created for human companionship and transport. Several hadith narrations mention the Prophet’s fondness for caring for, racing, and expressing appreciation for horses. Muslim families can keep horses as halal pets while learning to properly care for these majestic creatures.
8. Pigeons
Pigeons are halal birds that are perfectly okay for Muslims to keep as pets in their homes. The Quran praises these modest birds that can amazingly find their way home from far away. Pigeons are loyal, beautiful creatures that make great low-maintenance feathered friends.
9. Stag
A stag is an adult male deer. While deer are not directly mentioned in the Quran or hadith as being explicitly halal (permissible) or non-halal, they are generally considered permissible to keep as pets. This is because deer are not aggressive predatory animals and are harmless by nature.
They have a calm and gentle disposition, making them suitable pet companions for Muslim families. With their elegant beauty and non-threatening nature, deer fall under the categorization of halal animals that Muslims are allowed to keep.
10. Peacock
Peacocks are beautiful birds that Muslims are allowed to keep as pets. The Quran talks about how these pretty birds with their colorful feathers were under the control of Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him). Peacocks look stunning with their fanned out tail feathers. They have a gentle nature, making them wonderful halal pet options for Muslim families.
11. Sheep
Sheep are 100% halal pets according to Islam. The Quran and many hadiths speak about sheep as a blessing from Allah.
The Quran says:
وَٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمَ خَلَقَهَاۖ لَكُمۡ فِیهَا دِفۡءࣱ وَمَنَـٰفِعُ وَمِنۡهَا تَأۡكُلُونَ “And the cattle, He has created them for you; in them there is warmth and benefits, and from them you eat.” Reference: An-Nahl Verse 5
Sheep provide us with wool, meat, and milk – all halal things. They have a very calm and friendly nature too.
12. Deer
Deer are often seen as allowable (halal) to keep as pets. These graceful creatures are recognized for their gentle demeanor and lack of natural hunting instincts.
Their refined beauty and peaceful nature make them delightful companions for those who opt to have them as pets. Deer can bring a feeling of calmness and elegance to a household, fostering a special bond with their owners.
13. Stork
Storks are big birds that Muslims can have as pets. They’re liked because they take care of their babies well and travel long distances every year. Storks have a cool look and interesting habits, so Muslim families who can take good care of them might enjoy having them as pets.
14. Hoopoe
The hoopoe is a distinctive bird mentioned by name in the Quran, making it evidently halal to keep as a pet.
In Surah An-Naml (27:16-28), Allah tells of the miraculous story of Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) and a hoopoe bird:
The hoopoe was later questioned by Prophet Sulaiman for being absent, to which it responded it had discovered the kingdom of Saba’ and their sun-worshipping queen. This impressed Sulaiman with the hoopoe’s intelligence.
This story highlights the hoopoe’s status as one of Allah’s marvelous creations understood by Prophet Sulaiman. Their striking crown of feathers and unique calls make hoopoes an interesting and halal potential pet option according to the Quran’s teachings.
15. Cow
Cows are undoubtedly halal animals that Muslim families can keep as pets. While cows require considerable space and care due to their size, they can make docile housemates and companions, in addition to providing dairy products.
16. Camel
Camels are halal animals of great significance in Islamic tradition and Arab culture. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was closely familiar with camels, owning several himself. While demanding in their needs, camels can be kept as unique pets by those able to accommodate these ships of the desert.
17. Ostriches
Ostriches are not commonly kept as pets, but ostriches fall under the category of halal birds that Muslims can keep as pets. With their distinctive appearance and interesting behaviors, ostriches can make unusual but permissible pet companions for Muslim families with the proper capabilities to care for these large flightless birds.
18. Goat
Goats are halal animals as stated in the Quran. Muslims can keep goats as pets or for other uses like milk and meat. Goats are counted among the cattle that Allah has created for humans to benefit from.
Despite their smaller size, goats can be fun pets that make distinct sounds their owners enjoy.
19. Sparrow
Sparrows may be tiny birds, but they are still halal creatures Muslims can keep as pets. Sparrows are harmless and can comfortably live around people, making them cute little halal pet companions with their cheerful chirping.
20. Dove
Like pigeons, doves are halal pet birds according to Islam. The Quran explains how doves, like all creatures, constantly praise and glorify Allah. Doves symbolize peace and have a sweet, gentle cooing sound. Their caring nature towards their mates makes them wonderful halal pets to have.
Ending:
This is the list of halal animals you can own as pets in Islam. We have conducted research and found these animals to be permissible as pets. But, we will continue to update this list as we learn about more animals that are halal to keep as pets.
May Allah keep His blessings on us through every aspect of our lives. Ameen!
