❖ Question
Shaykh Saalih al-Munajjid, in his explanation of the Hadith:
"الكلب الأسود شيطان"
has written:
"This black dog resembles the devil in some of its traits, just as people commonly describe someone known for evil and corruption as a 'devil'."
Is this explanation correct?
❖ Answer by Fadheelat al-Sheikh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (حفظه الله)
Yes, there is no objection to this explanation, and it may be accepted as one possible interpretation.
➊ Explanation of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله)
Shaykh al-Islam Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) stated:
The devil sometimes appears in the form of a black dog, and the black color has more strength for the devils.
This is also proven by experience, as the black color is known to carry certain specific effects. This same point has been mentioned in the commentary of Hadith and Fiqh as well.
➋ Origin and Meaning of the Hadith
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"الكلب الأسود شيطان"
(Sahih Muslim: 5102)
“The black dog is a devil.”
This Hadith may be interpreted in multiple ways, including:
◄ The devil actually appearing in the form of a black dog.
◄ The black dog being likened to a devil, just as someone very evil is described as a “devil”.
➌ Conclusion
Both explanations are acceptable:
◈ Shaykh Saalih al-Munajjid's explanation—that the black dog may possess certain devilish traits such as malice and corruption.
◈ Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah’s explanation—that the devil sometimes takes the form of a black dog and the black color is more aligned with demonic forces.
Hence, there is no harm in adopting either of these interpretations, in shaa Allah.
