The Quick Answer
No. Human drool (saliva) is not najis (ritually impure) according to the majority of Islamic scholars, including the Shafi'i school.
You do not need to wash your clothes or repeat your wudhu if you drool during sleep. Your prayer remains valid.
What Is Najis?
Najis refers to substances that Islam considers ritually impure. A Muslim must clean najis from their body, clothing, and prayer area before performing salah.
Common examples of najis:
Not najis:
Why Human Saliva Is Not Najis
The Prophet ﷺ used to wet his finger with saliva when turning pages. He also spat lightly into his hands during ruqyah (spiritual healing). If saliva were najis, these actions would not be permissible.
The Shafi'i school classifies all fluids from a living human body as pure, except for those specifically identified as najis (urine, blood, etc.).
What About Drooling During Sleep?
Many people drool during sleep. This is a normal body function. The saliva that lands on your pillow, clothing, or skin is pure. You do not need to change your clothes before praying.
However, if drooling happens because of vomiting, the substance that comes out is najis. In that case, clean the affected area before praying.
What About Baby Drool?
Babies drool frequently. Their saliva is also pure. Parents do not need to wash their clothes every time a baby drools on them. This ruling makes daily life easier for families with young children.
If a baby vomits milk, the vomit is najis. Wipe or wash the affected area.
What About Animal Saliva?
The ruling differs by animal:
Practical Summary
| Substance | Najis? | Action Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Human saliva/drool | No | None |
| Baby drool | No | None |
| Cat saliva | No | None |
| Dog saliva | Yes | Wash 7 times (1 with soil) |
| Vomit | Yes | Wash affected area |
When in Doubt
Islam is a religion of ease. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Make things easy, do not make them difficult." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
If you are unsure whether something is najis, apply the general rule: all things are pure unless proven otherwise. Consult a qualified teacher for specific situations.
