No, you don't have to perform ghusl (a full ritual purification) simply by touching a dog.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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General Rule: Touching a dog, in itself, does not necessitate ghusl. Ghusl is typically required after major ritual impurity, such as after sexual activity or menstruation.
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Impurity Related to Dogs: The primary concern regarding dogs in Islamic jurisprudence relates to their saliva. If a dog's saliva (or any other bodily fluid considered impure) comes into contact with your body or clothing, that area needs to be cleansed. The specific method of cleansing varies depending on the Islamic school of thought.
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Touching a Wet Dog: Some opinions hold that touching a wet dog, even without saliva being directly transferred, can make your hand impure, necessitating a specific washing ritual to purify the area.
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Summary Table:
Scenario Need for Ghusl? Need for Cleansing? Touching a dry dog No No Touching a wet dog No Possibly (area touched) Dog's saliva touches you No Yes (area touched)
In conclusion, touching a dog does not require you to perform ghusl. The primary concern is the dog's saliva, which requires cleansing only if it comes into contact with your body or clothing. Some also consider touching a wet dog to make the area touched impure, necessitating washing the area in contact.
