Working with dogs as a security measure

9-12-2004 | IslamWeb

Question:

I am working in American base, as a security procedure vehicles are checked by dog, entering inside and sniffing the things like food every day. I would like know the Shariah law about the concept of prohibition and when I am obliged to wash the thing touched by dog seven times. Is it only if saliva dropped on the things? I had the same experience of dog checking at Salwa border of Saudi Arabia when I am in the way for Hajj. I request for your clear Shariah view on this issue.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

The preponderant opinion of Muslim scholars is that only saliva of a dog is impure and it should be washed. Touching the fur of a dog does not need to be washed.

For more details on this subject read the Fatwas: 81569 and 82644.

Allaah knows best.