Is a specific count of washings required for impurities other than those of a dog or pig?
Chapter on what purification is achieved with regarding water
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
There are two narrations concerning impurities not originating from dogs or pigs. One narration suggests a count is obligatory by analogy (Qiyas) to the impurity from lapping, citing a report that Muslims were commanded to wash impurities seven times. The second position states that a specific count is not obligatory; rather, washing with water until the substance (ayn) of the impurity is removed suffices. This view is attributed to Ash-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
Evidence for not requiring a specific count includes narrations that practices like the number of prayers and ritual baths were reduced by the Prophet, peace be upon him, without specific numbers being mandated for minor impurities like urine. Specific narrations concerning blood from menstruation and impurity left by a bedouin on the ground indicate washing or pouring water without specifying a count.