Does the presence of a completely black dog (al-Kalb al-Aswad al-Bahim) standing or sleeping directly in front of a worshipper invalidate the prayer?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There are differing reports concerning the ruling when a completely black dog is standing or sleeping in the place where one prays, without passing in front of the worshipper. One position asserts that the prayer is invalidated because its presence is analogous to it passing in front. Evidence supporting this view cites Aisha's statement comparing the worshipper's position to dogs and donkeys, and her mention that such entities (dogs) used to lie down in front of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as a funeral bier does, implying equivalence. Furthermore, the Hadith states: 'The prayer is cut short by a woman, a donkey, and a dog,' without explicitly specifying passing.
Supporting text
The opposing view maintains that the prayer is not invalidated because standing or sleeping is contrary to the ruling of passing. This is evidenced by Aisha sleeping in front of the Prophet (peace be upon him) without it being disliked or condemned. It is also noted that the Prophet (peace be upon him) preferred standing for forty steps over someone passing in front of him, and he used to pray towards a camel. If the camel had passed, he would not have allowed it, which is why animal passage is prohibited. Ibn Umar instructing Naafi' to let him use his back as a screen from those passing, and Umar sitting in front of a worshipper to shield him from passage, all indicate that standing is not equivalent to passing, and thus the prohibition should not be extended to it. The statement 'The prayer is cut short' must imply an act of passing or something similar, and therefore must be interpreted accordingly.