Toilet manners

Toilet Manners




Taken from*troid.org
"PIVOTAL*QUOTE" -- One should always move and hide away from others when relieving*oneself

As an added*note, the word ‘toilet’ in this article refers only to the area immediately*surrounding the place of relief and not, as is commonly understood in English,*the entire bathroom.
[1]:*ENTERING:*

As an added note, the Prophet (sallallaahu*’alayhi wa sallam) said, “To put a barrier that will prevent the jinn*from seeing the ’awrah of the sons of Aadam, let any one of you say*‘Bismillaah’ when entering the toilet.” [1] One should enter the toilet*with the left foot first [2] and say whilst entering: “Allaahumma innee*a’oodhubika minal-khubuthi wal-khabaa‘ith.” [3] [O Allaah, verily I seek*refuge in you from all evil things. It could also mean, O Allaah, verily I seek*refuge in you from the male and female jinns [4]]. It is known that the*jinn like to inhabit places of filth, such as toilets and camel pens and*that is why we have been ordered to seek refuge in Allaah from their harm when*we enter the toilet. [5]

[2]*SECLUSION:

One should always move and hide away from others when relieving oneself.*Jaabir (radiyallaahu ’anhu) relates that, “When the Prophet*(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) felt the need of relieving himself, he*went far off where no one could see him.” [6] He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa*sallam) would also take the added precaution of not raising his garment*until he had lowered himself near the ground [7], since, even thought he would*go to a far off place to relieve himself, the area was still open, so there was*still the possibility of being seen. This is an indication of extreme sense of*modesty and shyness which the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)*possesses. In contrast, we see the disbelievers, especially the men, who feel no*shame in using public urinals, exposing themselves to everyone. There are*certain places which we have been expressly told to avoid when relieving*oneself. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Beware of*those acts which cause other to curse.” They asked, “What are those acts,” he*said, “Relieving yourself in the people’s pathways or in their shade [under*trees].” [8] This hadeeth illustrates beautifully how Islam safeguards*the rights of one and all. Again, in marked contrast to this, we find the*manners of the disbelievers, whose inconsiderate behaviour leaves foul stenches*in several phone booths and subways. Not only that, but they see no wrong in*walking their dogs with the specified purpose of fouling the paths, causing harm*and offence to others.

[3] THE PROHIBITION OF FACING THE*QIBLAH: [9]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If you go to*defecate, do not face the Qiblah nor turn your back toward it. Instead*you should turn to your left side or your right.” [10] Some scholars are of the*opinion that this forbiddance only applies in open areas and that if you are in*an enclosed place, then there is no harm relieving yourself facing the*Qiblah or with your back towards it. Ibn ’Umar (radiyallaahu*’anhumaa), said, “If there is between you and the Qiblah, something*shielding you, there is no harm in it.” [11] The more correct opinion however*(and Allaah knows best), seems to be that it is something forbidden in both and*open and concealed areas and it is best to refrain from doing so as far as*possible out of respect for the direction which we pray in. The problem which*faces many people regarding this issue is what to do if the toilets that they*use are positioned in such a way that they cannot help but face or have their*back toward the Qiblah. The answer to this can be found in the example of*the Companions (radiyallaahu ’anhum), for they too faced this problem*after they had conquered Shaam (Syria) which had formerly been occupied*by the Christians. The Companions (radiyallaahu ’anhum) mentioned that*when they had to use these toilets, then when they came out, they would ask for*Allaah’s forgiveness. [12]

[4]*SQUATTING:

It is recommended (mustahabb) to urinate whilst sitting or*squatting and not standing, since this was the usual practice of the Prophet*(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). [13] It is not forbidden (haraam)*to stand whilst urinating since the Prophet is also reported to have done so,*but sitting/squatting is better since this is healthier for the body and because*there is less chance of urine splashing onto one's body or clothes. Great care*must be taken to avoid the splatter of urine on oneself, since urine is*something impure. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) once passed*by two graves and said: “Both are being punished. They are not being punished*for major [sins]. One did not shield himself from urine and the other carried*gossip.” [14]

[5]*CLEANING:

It is forbidden to use the right hand in order to clean oneself from the*impurities of urine and feces. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa*sallam) said, “None of you should touch his privates with his right hand*whilst urinating nor should he wipe of feces with his right.” [15] As for the*material which should be used for cleaning, then we can use either dry material*(i.e. tissue paper, stones, etc.) or water. It is permissible to use one or the*other, or both and out of the two, water is better. This is known by the fact*that the aayah,

“Allaah loves those who make themselves clean and pure…”*[Sooratut-Tawbah9:108]

was revealed in connection with the Ansaar (the Helpers) of the*Qoobaa (near al-Madeenah) because they would use water to cleanse*themselves after going to the toilet. [16] This was also the usual practice of*the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). [17] There are three*requirements for the dry material if it is to be used to clean oneself: [i] it*must be something pure in itself (i.e. tissue paper, pebbles); [ii] it must not*be something which is respected (i.e. a book) or something which is of use (i.e.*food, clothes etc.); [iii] the private parts must be wiped at least three times*with clean parts of that material. [18] After cleaning the private parts, one*should clean one’s hands. Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu) related that*after cleansing himself, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)*would rub his hand on the ground (to clean it) and then he would perform*ablution. [19]

[6] STEPPING OUT:*

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would exit the toilet*area with his right foot first and seek Allaah’s forgiveness. ’Aa‘ishah*(radiyallaahu ’anhaa) reported that when he left the toilet, he would*say: “Ghufraanaka.” (I seek your forgiveness). [20] May Allaah grant us*the ability to model our whole life on that of the Prophet’s and may He bless us*with those actions which are pleasing to Him. He is the best One to ask and the*greatest One who responds.