Between Faith, Family, and Fur: Somali Muslims in Minnesota Debate Dog Ownership

 Between Faith, Family, and Fur: Somali Muslims in Minnesota Debate Dog Ownership

In Minneapolis, 47-year-old Somali immigrant Shamsudir Mohamud proudly raises three pitbulls with his children, describing them as loyal, protective, and full of love. Yet his affection for dogs sets him apart from many in Minnesota’s Somali Muslim community, where religious and cultural traditions often view dogs as impure.

The debate flared recently when St. Louis Park’s Somali-born Mayor Nadia Mohamed officiated a police K-9 swearing-in ceremony, sparking criticism from local imams and residents. Some saw the event as conflicting with Islamic teachings, particularly in the Shafi’i school of thought followed by most Somali Muslims.

Still, attitudes are shifting. Some families, influenced by American culture and their children’s pleas, are reconsidering long-held views. Local imams sometimes offer nuanced guidance, suggesting dogs can be kept responsibly if cleanliness is maintained.

The discussion reflects a broader cultural negotiation: how immigrant communities balance faith with the realities of life in the U.S. For parents like Nuruldin Nur and Dayib Ali, the question isn’t just about owning pets—it’s about helping their children feel they belong in a new society.

Globally, dog ownership is rising across Muslim-majority countries, with halal pet food markets booming. In Minnesota, voices like Shamsudir’s are pushing for more open dialogue and acceptance, urging Somali Muslims to embrace responsible pet ownership without abandoning their values.

“At stake is more than pets,” says social worker Abdullahi Aden. “It’s about faith, identity, and belonging in a changing world.”