Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “When a dog drinks out of a vessel belonging to any of you, he must wash it seven times,” (Bukhari and Muslim) In a version by Muslim he said, “When a dog laps the water in a vessel belonging to any of you, he must wash it seven times, using earth the first time.”
Purification: Mishkat al-Masabih 490
This narration from Abu Huraira, recorded in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, addresses the purification of vessels contaminated by a dog's saliva. The Prophet's instruction to wash such vessels seven times, with one washing including earth, demonstrates the seriousness with which Islamic law treats ritual purity.
Scholarly Commentary on the Seven Washings
The majority of classical scholars, including Imam al-Shafi'i and Imam Ahmad, hold that washing seven times is obligatory (wajib) when a dog's saliva contaminates a vessel. This ruling stems from the dog being considered najis al-ayn (inherently impure) according to most schools of jurisprudence.
The wisdom behind this rigorous purification process lies in the prevention of disease transmission, as modern science confirms dogs can carry harmful pathogens in their saliva. The requirement for one washing with earth serves to thoroughly remove oily residues that water alone cannot eliminate.
Jurisprudential Differences and Applications
While the Hanafi school considers dogs to be pure, they still recommend washing vessels seven times as a precautionary measure (istihbab). The Maliki school requires washing three times if the vessel becomes contaminated.
This ruling applies specifically to vessels used for drinking, eating, or ritual purification. The requirement extends to any liquid contaminated by a dog's saliva, not just water. Scholars emphasize that the earth used should be pure and capable of cleansing, with dry, clean soil being preferable.