How to perform ablution after a dog?

How to perform ablution after a dog? - briefly

To perform ablution after touching or being near a dog, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

How to perform ablution after a dog? - in detail

Ablution, or ritual washing, is an essential part of Islamic hygiene and spiritual purification. When one has touched a dog, specific steps must be followed to ensure proper cleansing according to Islamic law. Here’s a detailed guide on how to perform ablution after touching a dog:

1. Initial Wash: Begin by washing the part of the body that came into contact with the dog. Use water and soap to cleanse the affected area thoroughly. This initial step helps in removing any impurities or residue from the touch.

2. Perform Complete Ablution (Wudu): After the initial wash, proceed to perform a complete ablution (wudu). Wudu involves washing specific parts of the body in a particular order:

   • Hands: Wash both hands up to the wrists, ensuring that no part is left unwashed.
   • Mouth: Rinse the mouth with water three times. Swish the water around before expelling it.
   • Nose: Clean the nostrils by sniffing water and then blowing it out gently. Repeat this process three times.
   • Face: Wash the entire face, from the hairline to the chin and from one ear to the other. Ensure that the ears, beard (if applicable), and the area behind the ears are also washed.
   • Arms: Wash both arms up to and including the elbows. Make sure to wash between the fingers and under the nails as well.
   • Head: Wet your hands with water and then pass them over your head, ensuring that the water reaches every part of the hair and scalp. If you have a turban or a similar head covering, ensure that it is wet.
   • Feet: Finally, wash both feet up to and including the ankles. Make sure to wash between the toes and under the nails.

3. Use Additional Water (Tayammum) if Necessary: If water for ablution is not available or you are unable to use it due to a valid reason, perform tayammum. Tayammum involves using clean earth or sand as a substitute for water:

   • Place your hands on the clean surface and recite the intention: "I am performing tayammum in place of washing because I cannot find water (or any other valid reason)."
   • Rub both hands over the surface, ensuring they are fully covered with dust.
   • Wipe the face with both hands starting from the hairline to the chin and from one ear to the other.
   • Wipe the arms from the tips of the fingers up to the elbows.
   • Finally, wipe the top of the feet, including the toes.

4. Prayer: After completing either ablution (wudu) or tayammum, you are now in a state of ritual purity and can proceed with your prayers.