Do I have to take a Bath (Ghusl) if a dog touches me?
Question
A Family member asked me if her dog’s saliva got onto her clothes and Hands. Does she have to make ghusl? I said yes.
Apparently, she checked many sites and read that she doesnt have to take a bath she must just wash out the saliva. I said to her I will enquire and get back to her, so basically: Please may i know if a dog’s saliva gets onto you skin or clothing Does a person have to make ghusl or not?
Answer
Only the area affected with the dog’s saliva will become Najis (impure). The affected area should be washed thoroughly three times. Ghusl is not necessary.
Muslims are discouraged from keeping dogs as pets as the angels of mercy do not enter those homes in which dogs are kept. If a dog is kept for security reasons, it will be permissible. However, the dog should be kept outside the home as it is a deterrent for the angels of mercy entering the home.
And Allah Knows Best
- Answered by
- Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Jamiatul Ulama KZN. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, ask the issuing Darul Ifta directly.