dogs

[uji_amira]

Assalamualaikum,

I have a sister who lives in Texas. She married to the local man
there and he converted to Islam. 2 years back, my mom visited my sister.
They went to my sis in laws' house. My mom was shocked to find that my
sister touched the dog of her mother in law. All her children do.
My mom was angry and my sis said that she has asked questions at the
mosque/usrah (I think) and they said it is allowed to avoid discomfort
between her husband's family and hers.

Pls explain the truth because I read one of the posting (in http://www.themuslimwoman.com) and said
that dogs are not allowed to be touched if it is kept as pet .

I'm really confused.

[Unknown Islamic]

Wa Alaikum Asalam Wa Rehamatullahi Wa Barakhatahu,

Check this link with regards to keeping a dog:

http://www.islam-qa.com/index.php?pg=rslt&txt=pets&st=2&fld=7&pglist=0&ln=eng

Insha'ALLAH it will help you! Masalama...

[Tranquillity]

I don't quite understand- do you mean she lives with her mother-in-law and that there are dogs in the house? in which case there would be issues re. the purity of the house for prayer and she and her husband should move out as they are both Muslims.
But, if she just goes to visit her mother-in-law then I don't see the problem? If she just touches the dog she can always wash her hands after and change her clothes if necessary... sometimes Muslims get a little over dramatic about dogs, I know my mum does! But you can't overlook the fact that to some non-Muslim westerers, having a dog is often an important part of their lives.