❀ Prohibition of Facing the Qiblah While Urinating and the Ruling in Case of a Barrier ❀
Derived from: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah, Vol. 1, Kitāb al-ʿAqāʾid, p. 199
❖ Question:
The Prophet ﷺ prohibited facing or turning one’s back toward the Qiblah while urinating. Is this hadith authentic? Also, what is the ruling if there is a barrier like a wall, tree, or shrub in between?
❖ Answer:
Alḥamdulillāh, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. Amma baʿd:
✿ ➊ Authenticity of the Hadith Prohibiting Facing the Qiblah While Urinating
Yes, this hadith is absolutely authentic. It is recorded in:
✔ Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (Ḥadīth: 394)
✔ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (Ḥadīth: 264)
In this narration, the Prophet ﷺ forbade facing the Qiblah during urination or defecation.
✿ ➋ What If There Is a Barrier in Between?
● If there is a barrier (e.g., a wall, tree, or shrub) between the person and the Qiblah, then avoiding facing the Qiblah is still preferred.
● However, if there is a necessity and the person turns their back toward the Qiblah with a barrier in place, it is permissible, but it is still better to avoid doing so.
✿ ➌ Summary:
◄ Facing the Qiblah while urinating or defecating is prohibited.
◄ Even with a barrier, it is preferable to avoid facing the Qiblah.
◄ Turning one’s back to the Qiblah in case of necessity is permissible, but not doing so is better.
وَاللهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
