Yet since the correct view is what is understood from this clear, sound ḥadith, we have turned away from prolonging the discussion of those other opinions, for they rest on no reliable, unequivocal proof.

Points derived from the ḥadith:

1. The impurity of the dog is treated with particular severity because of its extreme filth. For that reason it is deemed impure even when no visible traces of filth are present; an explanation of this will follow, Allah willing.

2. When a dog laps from a vessel—and the same applies if it eats from it—the vessel becomes impure, as does whatever remains in it.

3. Whatever the dog has lapped must be washed seven times.

4. Soil must be used once, and it is preferable that this be the first washing so that water follows it. That washing then constitutes the “eighth” mentioned in the other report. It makes no difference whether water is poured onto the soil, soil onto the water, or soil mixed with water is taken and used to wash with; however, merely rubbing the spot with dry soil is insufficient.

5. Any cleansing agent that performs the function of soil may take its place, for the objective is purification, not soil per se. This is the view of Aḥmad and one report from al-Shāfiʿī, though the well-known position in his school stipulates soil specifically. Ibn Daqīq al-ʿĪd supported the latter view, arguing that soil is explicitly named in the text, that it is one of the two purifiers, and that any inferred rationale which overturns the text is invalid. Al-Nawawī said: “Ashnān (alkali), soap, and the like do not substitute for soil, according to the sounder opinion.” I would add: modern scientific research has shown that soil removes this impurity in a way unmatched by other substances; if this is verified it reveals one of the miracles of the noble Law. Moreover, the wording ʿaffirūhu (“rub it with earth”) supports restricting the ruling to soil, for ʿafr in Arabic denotes the surface layer of the earth—that is, soil.

6. This manifests the magnificence of the purified sharia, issuing from the All-Wise, the All-Aware, and that its conveyer—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—did not speak from whim. Some scholars were perplexed by the rationale for this strict ruling, noting that other impurities of comparable severity do not require such rigor. They therefore concluded that this manner of purification after a dog has lapped is devotional, its wisdom beyond human grasp—until modern medicine, with its discoveries and microscopes, demonstrated that dog saliva contains microbes and deadly diseases that water alone cannot eliminate. Glory be to the All-Knowing, the All-Aware; glad tidings to those who are certain, and woe to the deniers.