Fatwa ID: 04890

Answered by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question

I wanted to know if keeping leopard geckos as pets are allowed in Islam. I know there is a hadith on killing house geckos, but I wanted to know if the same rule applies to all types of geckos. I really want one and I am waiting to see if it is allowed.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam was merciful and very loving towards animals.

Saaiduna Ibn Umar Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said ‘A women entered Hell because of a cat which she tied up and did not feed, nor did she let it loose to feed upon the vermin of the earth’ (Sahih Bukhari)

Furthermore, the great sahaabi Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu (Father of the kitten) was so-called because he used to love cats and keep them.

The conclusion we could deduce is that all animals in Islam are to be treated with care and love.

Sahl bin Al-Hanzaliyaah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam saw a camel which was carrying a huge load to the extent that one could neither see its back nor its belly, so he said ‘Fear Allah when you deal with these beasts of burden.  They must be healthy for riding and eating’. (Sunan Abi Dawud)

With regards to your question, those animals, which are considered vicious, dangerous and reprehensible, we as Muslims would not be allowed to keep them as pets. For example, the hadith narrated by Saaidah Aisha Radiallahu Anha that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said, “Five animals are considered as vicious. They should be killed in the Haram and outside the Haram. They are the crow, kite, scorpion, rat and the ferocious dog.” (Sahih Bukhari p.246 v.1 & Sahih Muslim)

In another hadith, Saaiduna Jabir Bin Abdullah narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said, “Cover your utensils and tie your water skins, and close your doors and keep your children close to you at night, as the Jinns spread out at such time and snatch things away. When you go to bed, put out your lights, for the mischief-doer (i.e. the rat) may drag away the wick of the candle and burn the dwellers of the house.” Ata said, “The devils.” instead of the Jinns.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Dogs can be kept for hunting, farming, and guarding properties.  They can also be kept to guide the blind.  It is not permissible to keep dogs as pets in the homes of Muslims. (Fatawa Hindiyyah p.362 v.5)

Saaiduna Ibn Umar Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said, ‘Whoever keeps a dog which is neither a watch dog nor a hunting dog, will get a daily deduction of two Qiraat from his good deeds. (Sahih Bukhari p.312 v.1)

Keeping the aforementioned discussion in mind we can conclude that it is permissible to keep cats, rabbits, parrots, pigeons, and other domestic birds as pets.

Leopard geckos are reptiles and they tend to be vicious, thus, it is best we don’t keep them as pets.

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham