Doubts about the Transfer of Impurity from a Dry Place to Another

8-2-2018 | IslamWeb

Question:

As-Salamu Alaykum.I know that impurity is not transferred if there is no dampness. But does this rule also apply to the smell of the impurity? For example if one touches dry urine while his hand is also dry but after that he notice a decent smell of urine on his hand. I am often in doubt about my hands smelling after touching something where it seems likely that impurity got there before. I use to sniff at my hands or some items but in general I can’t really tell if there is some smell of impurity. For example: I know with absolute certainty that urine got on the lifebelt of my mother’s car. Of course the belt touches my clothes when I am driving while both being dry. Do I have to wash my clothes if I noticed the urine’s smell on them? I would like to know the ruling on this matter.Barak Allahu feekum.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

If the smell of impurity is transferred from an impure place to another pure place, while both of them are dry, then there is a difference of opinion in this case on the ruling regarding the pure place becoming impure.

It is clear from you that you are affected with whispers; hence, in our view, you should act according to the easiest opinion, which is the view that the impurity is not transferred.

In any case, if you doubt about the transfer of the smell, then in principle the ruling is that it is pure and you should act according to this certainty unless there is another firm certainty that proves otherwise.

Allah knows best.