Does the Tradition Regarding Angels Not Entering a Home With Dogs Affect the Convert Living With Non-Muslim Family?

Question: Asalamu Alaikum, I am a convert and I live with my family. They are not Muslim so they have dogs and multiple images. I got rid of images and the dogs in my room but Hadiths state that angels don’t enter my house. Is this true? I really need angels for protection. 

Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I am very pleased to hear of your conversion to Islam. May Allah accept from you and make you a means of guidance for your family members.

In your circumstance, it is sufficient to consider your room as your home. Keep the dog out of your room and remove any images of living creatures.

Allah Most High says, “…and He has not placed upon you in the religion any undue hardship” [Qur’an; 22:78 ].

Also, “No burdened soul will bear the burden of another: even if a heavily laden soul should cry for help, none of its load will be carried, not even by a close relative….” [Qur’an; 35:18].

Allah does not punish anyone for the faults of others. Nor does He make anyone responsible for that which is beyond their ability.

It is your family’s right to have a dog and images in their home. For this reason, you are only accountable for what you do with your private portion of the home.

Hope this helps
Allah knows best

[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of Qur’an and the Islamic sciences.