k-l-b

Description

The Arabic root كلب (k-l-b) carries the core meaning of dog or canine, appearing in the Quran primarily in Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave) in the story of the Companions of the Cave, where a dog accompanies the sleeping believers. The root also extends to related meanings such as training hunting animals (mu'allabīn), reflecting the domesticated and trained nature of dogs used for practical purposes. In the Quranic context, the dog is presented neutrally or positively as a loyal companion and useful trained animal, contrasting with some cultural attitudes, and the term also appears metaphorically in Surah Al-A'raf to describe someone who clings to base desires despite being given knowledge.