What to do if a dog licked according to Islam? - briefly
In Islamic tradition, contact with a dog's saliva is considered impure. If a dog licks you, it is recommended to wash the affected area thoroughly with water and soap to remove any traces of impurity.
What to do if a dog licked according to Islam? - in detail
In Islamic law, the saliva of a dog is considered impure (najis). This ruling is based on several hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), which emphasize the importance of maintaining purity and cleanliness in matters of worship and daily life. If a person is licked by a dog, specific actions must be taken to restore ritual purity.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that Islam distinguishes between major and minor impurities. The saliva of a dog falls under the category of major impurity (hadath al-kabir). Therefore, if one is licked by a dog, the following steps should be taken:
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Wash the Affected Area: Immediately wash the area that has come into contact with the dog's saliva thoroughly. Use water and soap to ensure all traces of the impurity are removed.
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Perform Wudu: Perform wudu (ablution) as you would before prayer. This involves washing the face, hands up to the elbows, rinsing the mouth, sniffing water into the nostrils and washing the feet up to the ankles. This ritual cleansing is necessary to restore minor ritual purity.
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Perform Ghusl: In addition to wudu, it is recommended to perform ghusl (full body wash). This involves washing the entire body with water, ensuring that all parts are clean. Ghusl removes major impurities and prepares the individual for acts of worship such as prayer.
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Change Clothes: If clothing has been contaminated by the dog's saliva, it is advisable to change into clean clothes. This ensures that no residual impurity remains on the person.
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Prayer Mat and Floor: If the incident occurred in a place of prayer or on a prayer mat, it is necessary to clean the area thoroughly with water to remove any traces of impurity.
It is important to note that these steps are not merely ritualistic but serve as a means to maintain spiritual and physical cleanliness, which is highly valued in Islam. By following these guidelines, one can ensure compliance with Islamic law and maintain a state of purity conducive to worship and daily activities.