The Book of Purification - Sunan an-Nasa'i 63

"If a dog drinks from the vessel of one of you, let him wash it seven times."

Textual Analysis

This hadith establishes a specific purification requirement when a dog's saliva contaminates a vessel. The command is directed to the vessel's owner, emphasizing personal responsibility in maintaining ritual purity.

The phrasing "vessel of one of you" indicates this ruling applies to containers used for eating, drinking, or worship purification - not necessarily all objects touched by dogs.

Juridical Ruling

According to the majority of classical scholars including Imam ash-Shafi'i and Imam Ahmad, the seven washings are obligatory (wajib). The first washing should be with earth or purified soil, followed by six with water.

The Hanafi school considers one earth purification sufficient if followed by proper water washing. The requirement stems from the dog's saliva being considered najis al-ayn (inherently impure).

Wisdom Behind the Ruling

Scholars note this teaches thorough purification, as dogs frequently carry impurities and harmful microorganisms. The seven repetitions ensure complete cleansing.

Ibn al-Qayyim observed that medical wisdom confirms dogs' saliva contains harmful elements, showing the divine wisdom in Islamic purification laws that protect human health.

Scope and Application

This ruling applies specifically to vessels contaminated by dog's saliva. Dry contact or touching a dog's fur generally doesn't require such purification according to most scholars.

The vessel remains prohibited for use until properly purified. If uncertain about contamination, precautionary washing is recommended though not obligatory.