“Evil is the example of the people who denied Our signs, and it was themselves they were wronging.”

And Allah Most High says:

“The likeness of those who were entrusted with the Torah but then failed to uphold it is that of a donkey carrying books”—to the end of the verse.

If resemblance to these animals is mentioned only by way of condemnation, even when the person condemned does not intend to resemble them, then someone who deliberately imitates them is all the more deserving of condemnation. If he imitates them in the very thing condemned by the Lawgiver, he is blameworthy on two counts. If he imitates them in something not specifically condemned, he is blameworthy because such imitation entails falling into what is specifically condemned. This is supported by the following:

Fourth reason

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said in an authentic hadith:

“One who takes back his gift is like one who returns to his vomit; no evil likeness befits us.”

In this connection, it is related that al-Shāfiʿī and Ahmad debated this issue. Al-Shāfiʿī said to him, “A dog is not subject to religious obligations.” Ahmad replied, “No evil likeness befits us.”

This argument is contained in the hadith itself. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, mentioned this comparison only to show that a person who resembles a dog is blameworthy, even though the dog is not blameworthy for that conduct in terms of religious accountability. Hence, no evil likeness befits us.

By saying, “Evil is the example,” Allah, glorified is He, has made clear that being likened to a dog is an evil likeness, and a believer should be free of any evil likeness. If he bears an evil likeness to a dog, he is blameworthy to the extent of that evil likeness.

Fifth reason

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog.”

He also said:

“When you hear roosters crowing, ask Allah for His bounty, and when