Question regarding transfer of impurity.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. I told my brother that once the urine on books and other papers gets dry, there is no sin in using them.But he has a doubt that if he touches the dried books and other papers with his sweaty hands does his hands become impure or najis as the dried urine may be transferred on his hands due to the wetness caused by sweat.Please kindly clear his doubts and give him a solution so that he can use the books again.
Answer
Wa ʿAlaykumus Salām Wa Raḥmatullāhi Wa Barakātuh
In this instance, when the impurities are dry, then there would be no problem in using such books. However, when they are touched with a moist hand then it would be problematic since there is a possibility of it gaining moisture and transferring onto one’s hands by means of touching.
The best way forward, and to set his mind at ease, would be to obtain another copy of that book if it is affordable, or to photocopy the book. Alternatively, to scan the book and have an eCopy or to download an eCopy if it is available. Essentially, to free his usage of that book in order to gain contentment of heart regarding his ritual state of purity.
References
عن محمد بن إبراهيم عن أم ولد لعبد الرحمن بن عوف قالت قلت لأم سلمة : إني امرأة أطيل ذيلي وأمشي في المكان القذر ؟ فقالت قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم يطهره ما بعده … وفي الباب عن عبد الله بن مسعود قال كنا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم لا نتوضأ من الموطإ قال أبو عيسى وهو قول غير واحد من أهل العلم قالوا ا وطئ الرجل على المكان القذر أنه لا يجب عليه غسل القدم إلا أن يكون رطبا فيغسل ما أصابه (جامع الترمذي 1/36)