Allah's Messenger said: "When a man performs Salat, and there is nothing in front of him like the post of a saddle, or a camel saddle, then his Salat is severed by (passing of) a black dog, a woman, and a donkey." It was said to Abu Dharr: "What is the problem with the black dog rather than the red or white one?" He said: "O my nephew! I asked Allah's Messenger just as you have asked me. He said: 'The black dog is a Shaitan (devil).'"
The Book on Salat (Prayer) - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 338
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger said: "When a man performs Salat, and there is nothing in front of him like the post of a saddle, or a camel saddle, then his Salat is severed by (passing of) a black dog, a woman, and a donkey." It was said to Abu Dharr: "What is the problem with the black dog rather than the red or white one?" He said: "O my nephew! I asked Allah's Messenger just as you have asked me. He said: 'The black dog is a Shaitan (devil).'"
Commentary on the Sutrah (Prayer Barrier)
The hadith establishes the obligation of placing a sutrah (barrier) in front of one during prayer, equivalent to the back of a saddle. This protects the prayer space from interruptions. Without it, three specific entities can invalidate the prayer if they pass directly in front of the worshipper.
The Three Nullifiers of Prayer
The black dog: Specifically identified as a devil in canine form. Scholars explain its black color signifies intense evil, as black often represents darkness and misguidance in Islamic texts.
The woman: Her passing breaks prayer due to potential distraction and fitnah (temptation) she may cause to the praying male, compromising his khushu' (devotional concentration).
The donkey: Known for its loud braying that disturbs prayer concentration. Some scholars mention donkeys were associated with devils in certain narrations.
Significance of the Black Dog
The Prophet's clarification that the black dog is a Shaitan reveals this is not about ordinary dogs but specifically about satanic manifestations. Classical scholars note that black is the color most associated with devils and evil spirits in Islamic tradition, hence the specific ruling applies only to black dogs.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith establishes: The necessity of a sutrah during prayer; The prayer becomes invalid if these three pass between the worshipper and their sutrah; The ruling applies specifically to black dogs, not other colors; Women and donkeys nullify prayer regardless of color due to their inherent distracting qualities.