Islamic toilet etiquette

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This is a sub-article to Hygiene in Islam and Toilet

The Islamic faith has particular rules regarding personal hygiene when going to the toilet. This code is known as Qadaahul Haajah ^[1] and is extremely prescriptive. The rules were established during times before the invention of toilet paper or toilet seats. In many parts of the Muslim World, squat toilets are the norm and toilet paper remains rare and its use a matter of dispute.

The following points, including issues of laterality such as whether one uses the left or right hand, order of stepping into or out of toilet areas, or which foot stress is placed upon, are derived from hadith sources and the collected opinions of people throughout history.^{[citation needed]} The only issue which the Koran does touch upon in relation to toileting, is the one of washing one's hands especially following going to the toilet which is mentioned in verse 5:6 of the Koran.

[edit] Rules

• Say before entering the toilet: In the name of Allah, O Allah! I seek refuge with You from all offensive and wicked things (Al-Bukhaaree)
• One should enter the toilet with the left foot and leave with the right foot.
• It is not permissible to enter the toilet whilst carrying or wearing anything bearing the name of Allah, such as the Quran, or any book with the name of Allah in it, or jewelry such as bracelets or necklaces engraved with the name of Allah.
• One should remain silent whilst on the toilet. Talking, answering greetings or greeting others is forbidden.^[2]
• One should not face nor turn your back on Al-Qiblah whilst relieving yourself.^[3]
• One should be out of sight of people when going to the toilet
• It is considered forbidden to relieve oneself whilst standing up, lying down or if you are completely nude.^{[citation needed]}
• One should avoid going to the toilet anywhere where people may take rest or gather for any purpose.
• Do not raise clothes until you get close to the ground and do not uncover the body any more than is needed.
• One should sit on the feet (e.g. squat) keeping thighs wide apart with the stress on the left foot.
• Do not look to the private parts of the body nor the waste matter passed from the body.
• Do not sit more than needed.
• Do not spit, blow nose, look hither and thither, touch the body unnecessarily nor look towards the sky but relieve oneself with the eyes downcast in modesty.^{[citation needed]}
• After relieving oneself it is essential to perform Istinjaa (washing with water) of the anus and/or genitals with the left hand and water. The precise mode of performing Istinjaa has also been defined by religious leaders: "At the beginning of Istinja, it is preferable to use toilet paper three times. If Istinjaa is being done on a hot day, then the person should start from the front to the back and then from the back to the front and the third time from the front to the back. If Istinjaa is being done on a cold day, then he should begin from the back to the front. After wiping, he should wash his hand first and then he should cleanse himself with two fingers and three fingers if necessary together with ‘pouring’ water. When using the two fingers, one should keep the middle finger in front and the ring and index finger behind it. After beginning with the fingers in this position, he should bring the ring finger forward and rub with the middle finger and ring finger. Thereafter, he will wipe with the index finger, if necessary. He should continue until all the impurity and smell is removed. The left over water after Istinjaa is paak only if there is no impurity in it." (Mufti Ebrahim Desai) And further: "To wash the orifice with water, even though no filth is stuck to it after relieving oneself, is desirable. If the filth is sticking to it (less than a Dirham or equal to it) then the use of water is 'Sunnah' (optional) and in the case the filth stuck to the orifice is more than a Dirham then its washing with the water is 'Fard'. (obligatory)" Islamic Academy
• Other than toilet paper, water and the left hand Istinjaa can be performed with earth, grit, stones and worn-out cloths provided they are all clean. It is forbidden to perform Istinyaa with bone, any edible item, dry dung, baked brick, potsherd, coal, fodder, writing paper and anything which has even a small value.
• After this process the hands should also be washed.
• When leaving the toilet one should also say a prayer, "Praise be to Allah who relieved me of the filth and gave me relief."^[4]

Note that it is known that many of these rules are not compulsory to all Muslims and fall into the category of the Sunnah, though it may be compulsory to just the Muslims that are in Mecca itself near the Ka'aba. As a further note many people^[who?] believe that many points mentioned today are outdated since in modern times toilets have become clean tiled areas compared to hundreds of years ago when they were confined areas in the desert.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] References

1. ^ USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts
2. ^ USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts
3. ^ USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts
4. ^ USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts

also:

• USC MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts [1]
• Islamicacademy.org: Islam the Glorious Religion, Chapter 2 [2]
• Ask the Imam: Islamic Q & A Online with Mufti Ebrahim Desai [3]

[edit] External links

• Health Benefits of the Natural Squatting Position