Praying and handling dogs
I am a young Muslim lady working as a small animal Veterinarian (dogs and cats). My problem is observing my salat during this time. I know I have to wash up due to the fact that I’m constantly in contact with saliva of dogs but I use a Khimar to pray and not my scrubs. Is washing my hands and wearing a Khimar to pray enough? Because I fear that my prayers won’t be accepted.
Answer
AssalāmuʿAlaykum Wa Raḥmatullāhi Wa Barakātuh
Amongst the prerequisites for the validity of prayer is that the body, clothes, and place where prayer is to be performed should all be pure and free from any impurities.
If the dog’s saliva affected your hands, then wash the hands. If the clothes were affected, then to wash the clothes or remove and replace them with your Khimār for example.