Muslim

67. Commentary:

➊ At one time, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) ordered the killing of dogs, then he forbade killing them, because it is not correct to completely eradicate any creature created by Allah. In the creation of every creature, there is some wisdom, even if a creature apparently seems harmful to humankind. This ruling is still subject to circumstances.

➋ This hadith also indicates that a dog’s mouth, its saliva, and what it licks are impure and filthy, and this points to the impurity and filthiness of its entire body, and makes it obligatory to wash the vessel seven times, and also to clean it with earth is obligatory. This is the opinion of the researchers.

➌ Keeping a dog for the purpose of hunting, or for the protection of crops and livestock, is a necessity; therefore, the Shariah has permitted it. For purposes other than these—such as for pleasure or any other reason—it is not permissible to keep a dog, as the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever keeps a dog for any purpose other than the protection of livestock, hunting, or crops, one qirat of his reward will be reduced every day.” [صحیح البخاري ، الحرث والمزارعة ، حدیث : 2322 ، و صحیح مسلم ، المساقاة ، حدیث : 1575]
Furthermore, the ruling for the saliva and vessels licked by a dog kept for hunting or guarding is the same as that for any other dog. In addition, having a dog in the house is a cause for being deprived of the angel of mercy. See: [جامع الترمذي : الأدب ، حديث : 2806]

➍ It is necessary to wash the vessel in which a dog puts its mouth seven times, and in addition, it is also necessary to scrub the vessel once with earth. The use of earth can be at the beginning or at the end, because in Sahih Muslim: «اولاھن بالتراب» the words are, “Wash it by rubbing it with earth the first time,” and in the aforementioned narration of Sahih Muslim: «عَفِّرُوهُ الثَّامِنَةَ بِالتُّرَابِ» “Wash it by rubbing it with earth the eighth time.” There is no contradiction between these two hadiths, because when earth is used once along with washing seven times with water, this use of earth is considered the eighth washing.

➎ Earth removes the odor, stickiness, and germs of impurity. Sometimes these things are not removed with water alone, although the apparent impurity is removed; therefore, in addition to water, it is necessary (at least once) to use earth or any chemical that serves the same purpose.

338. Commentary: For benefits and issues, see Sunan an-Nasa'i, Hadith: 67.