Meditation is normally seen as a Buddhist thing but is there any scope for meditation in Islam? Does it already exist, and if so, what is it called? How can we use this to gain a better understanding of Islam/our relationship with our Creator? Is there anything we should definitely NOT do?
If the former, then can't the objection be brought up that those prophets were essentially predestined heaven (and therefore making Allah unjust in some way)? If the latter, then is it possible for ordinary people to reach the level of prophets? If this is not possible and if what makes prophets better than ordinary humans the fact that Allah has granted them wahy and knowledge, then is it fair ask why ordinary people don't also receive that same treatment as mentioned by 12:24 which would thereby guarantee them heaven and protection from sin? If the granting of wahy and knowledge is conditional upon someone having intelligence and purity, then is it a reasonable objection to say that intelligence is not a controllable factor? If intelligence is not a controllable thing, then can the same objection be brought up that most intelligent people who are granted prophethood are guaranteed heaven (thus making Allah unjust again) because their uncontrollable faculty of reasoning was why they were granted wahy which prevents them from sin? (That is, someone's uncontrollable circumstances has led them to have a higher capacity, and therefore they have a greater opportunity to reach a higher level of heaven than ordinary people).
Yes, but it is better if it can stay outside (such as in a dog house, if that is possible on your property; these days, they do have outdoor heaters for animals if that is a possibility).
I am sure you are familiar with the hadith saying that having a dog inside affects acceptance of prayers; Allah knows best. Of course, we are also supposed to be compassionate, and it is not compassionate to let it freeze to death!
Yes you can interact with it and train it.
Yes, be sure to observe taharah for salat and any other necessary things such as dishes.