What to do if a dog licks in Islam? - briefly
If a dog licks you and you are a Muslim, it is recommended to wash the area that was licked with water and soap. This is based on the hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed that dogs' saliva nullifies ablution.
What to do if a dog licks in Islam? - in detail
In Islam, the issue of what to do when a dog licks you is addressed with clear guidelines and considerations. According to Islamic teachings, dogs are considered ritually impure (najas), which means they can transmit impurity through their saliva. Therefore, if a dog licks you, it is important to take the following steps:
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Immediate Ablution: As soon as possible after being licked by a dog, you should perform ablution (wudu). This involves washing your face, hands, arms up to the elbows, wiping your head with wet hands, and washing your feet up to the ankles. Washing these areas thoroughly helps to remove any traces of impurity left by the dog's saliva.
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Washing Clothes: In addition to performing ablution, it is recommended to wash the clothing that has come into contact with the dog’s saliva. This additional precaution ensures that no residual impurity remains on your clothes, which could later affect your state of ritual purity (taharah).
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Prayer: After completing these cleansing actions, you can resume your prayers and other religious activities without concern. It is crucial to ensure that all traces of the dog's saliva have been removed through thorough washing and ablution before engaging in any form of worship.
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Avoidance of Impurity: To prevent such incidents from occurring, it is advisable to avoid situations where dogs might lick you. If you own a pet dog or are around dogs frequently, taking precautions to ensure they do not lick your exposed skin can help maintain your state of purity consistently.
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Education and Awareness: Understanding the rules and practices related to ritual impurity in Islam is essential for all Muslims. By being aware of these guidelines, you can act promptly and correctly when faced with such situations, thereby maintaining the integrity of your worship and adherence to Islamic teachings.
By following these steps diligently, a Muslim can ensure that their state of ritual purity is maintained and their prayers are accepted by Allah.