Stepped on a stained carpet and now it’s dry. good news: many jurists say walking on it can be allowed if the impurity is removed, but caution is still recommended.
Impurity (najāsah) is an important and sensitive topic in Islamic jurisprudence because it directly affects the permissibility of everyday acts. One frequently asked question is the ruling on walking over carpets that were once contaminated. This article examines the issue from a fiqh perspective and considers the practical consequences for Muslim daily life. It also reviews the positions of jurists and marāji‘ (senior religious authorities).
Najāsah denotes lack of ritual purity and contamination. In Islamic law it is commonly categorized into two broad types: sensory (tangible) impurities and spiritual impurities. Sensory impurities are those that can be physically sensed and identified — for example, blood, urine, and other bodily excretions. Spiritual impurities refer to moral or spiritual corruption.
This article focuses on tangible impurities, and in particular on carpets. Because carpets are in frequent contact with feet and heads they are among the items most likely to become contaminated.
A soiled carpet is one that has become contaminated by contact with impurity. In fiqh, a soiled carpet that is not promptly cleaned may become a significant issue in daily life. But the question arises: if a contaminated carpet dries, does it remain impure or not?
Islamic jurists differ on this point. Some hold that if the impurity has completely dried and no longer causes transmission to the feet or other items, it is no longer considered impure and one may walk on it. Others maintain that the carpet must be washed before it is used again.
Among Shia jurists the position is that if a carpet is contaminated, walking on it is permissible provided that the impurity does not transfer to the feet or other objects. However, as a recommended precaution (ihtiyāt mustahabb), it is preferable to avoid walking on the soiled carpet until it has been washed so as to prevent the spread of contamination to other places.
Sunni jurists offer similar views. They generally accept that a carpet that was contaminated may become clean once it has dried, but one must be sure that the impurity has been fully removed.
Based on juristic opinions, walking on a carpet that was soiled and has since dried depends on the circumstances. If the impurity has been removed and the carpet is dry, then walking on it is permissible. But if there is doubt about the carpet’s cleanliness, it is better to refrain from walking on it.
Walking on a carpet that was once soiled and has dried is not merely a technical juristic question; it also carries social and spiritual implications. In Muslim societies, observance of matters of purity and cleanliness is considered an ethical and religious value. Such observance helps maintain cleanliness and social order and supports spiritual sensibilities.
Ultimately, the question of walking on a carpet that was soiled and has dried is a fiqh issue requiring care and attention. Considering juristic opinions and differing circumstances, Muslims should exercise appropriate caution. Observing these points helps preserve personal purity and strengthens social and spiritual relations.
Therefore, when confronted with a soiled carpet, remember to examine the carpet’s condition and consult relevant juristic opinions before deciding, so as to avoid error or inconvenience in the future.
