Today we continue with the etiquettes of using the toilet, keeping in mind that when the kuffar scoffed at the Sahaba RA about Nabi ﷺ even having to teach them how to use the toilet, they proudly said that yes the Nabi of Allah has definitely done so. They laughed then, but till today they still don’t know how to clean themselves, while we very proudly follow the teachings of our Blessed Prophet ﷺ.

Stay Silent While in the Toilet

Muslims are further guided to practice silence whilst they are in the toilet area. Meaning, they are not allowed to talk, read, sing songs or have conversations with other individuals.

Avoid Eating While in the Toilet

Moving forward, Muslims are also strictly asked to avoid eating while they are in the toilet. As the area is dirty and it can be hazardous for the health too.

Practice Istinja

Istinja refers to the practice of cleaning yourself after visiting the toilet. This falls under the jurisprudence of Islamic hygiene and is obligatory for all Muslims to follow. The obligation lies in the fact that it ensures sanitation and cleanliness.

Cover Private Parts after Cleaning

In order to keep modesty into account, Muslims are guided to cover their private parts after cleaning themselves through Istinja. This factor will preserve the modesty and purity of individuals, and prevent them from becoming a victim to sinful eyes.

Recite Prayer before Entering the Toilet

Muslims are guided to read the following prayer before entering the toilet: “Allahumma innee a’oodhu bika minal khubthi wal khabaa-ith.” In this manner, the sinful attributes of the toilet are removed, and the Muslim can visit in peace.

Recite Prayer After Exiting the Toilet

Muslims are guided to read the following prayer after exiting the toilet: “Alhamdu-lil-laa-hil-la-dhi adh-haba’anil a-dhaa wa ‘a-faa-ni”. Through this, the Muslim will not carry the sinful traits outside the toilet with him/her.

Avoid Facing the Qibla and Turning Your Back on it

Muslims are guided to not face the Iqbal while they are urinating for defecating. Moreover, they are also forbidden to turn their back towards the Qibla during this conduct. In this manner, the purity of the Qibla is preserved.

وَقَدْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ إِذَا ذَهَبَ أَحَدُكُمْ إِلَى الْغَائِطِ أَوِ الْبَوْلِ فَلاَ يَسْتَقْبِلِ الْقِبْلَةَ وَلاَ يَسْتَدْبِرْهَا

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When any one of you goes to defecate or urinate, let him not face toward the Qiblah, nor turn his back towards it.”

Use Water for Cleaning

It is absolutely necessary for us to use water when washing in the toilet.

سَمِعْتُ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ، يَقُولُ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا دَخَلَ الْخَلاَءَ أَحْمِلُ أَنَا وَغُلاَمٌ مَعِي نَحْوِي إِدَاوَةً مِنْ مَاءٍ فَيَسْتَنْجِي بِالْمَاءِ

Anas bin Malik RA said: “When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would go to the toilet, I and another boy like me would bring a small leather vessel of water and he would clean himself with water.”

Clean Thoroughly

Whilst cleaning, Muslim men are guided to wash from back to front, while women are guided to wash from front to back. In this manner, no filth will remain and cleanliness will be ensured.

Use Cloth or Toilet Paper for Cleaning

Muslim individuals are told to dry themselves through cloth after visiting the toilet. They can however use toilet paper in the absence of cloth too. Nevertheless, any other type of paper is not allowed to be used.

Practice Istibra

After visiting the toilet, Muslim men and women are guided to practice the conduct of Istibra. Which refers to not leaving any drops of urine on the urethra. This can be done by, lying on the left side of the body, coughing, or simply walking. In this manner, individuals can feel at ease about the absence of filth in their system.

Avoid Urinating While Standing

In Islam, Muslim men are guided to avoid urinating whilst standing. The notion of avoiding comes from the fact that splashes of urine can land on the body, making the individuals impure.

Wash Hands after Visiting the Toilet

Individuals are guided to wash their hands after using the toilet. In this manner, any impurities are removed from the hands, and the person becomes pure. It has links with one’s health too, as cleanliness is a bystander for one’s health too.

Avoid Urinating in Water, Cemetery, Road, or the Wall of a Mosque

A mosque is a holy place for a workshop, hence urinating on a pure land should be avoided. Moving forward, whilst respecting the dead ones, this conduct should be avoided in the cemetery too. The road is used for people to walk plus travel on, and any form of filth and affects the process. As a result, urinating on roads should be avoided. Lastly, water is used to drink by all individuals, and drinking filthy water can have negative health consequences. Hence why, urinating in any form of water should be avoided, especially, streams.