❀ Detailed Rulings and Etiquettes of Relieving Oneself in Islam ❀
Source: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth, Kitāb al-Ṭahārah, Volume 1, Pages 43–44
✔ One should relieve oneself in a secluded place, out of sight from others, maintaining modesty and dignity as per Sunnah.
It is prohibited to relieve oneself in the following locations:
① Public pathways
② Commonly used shaded areas
③ Near water sources (springs, rivers, ghats)
④ Under fruit-bearing trees
⑤ In animal burrows or holes (due to possible presence of jinn or harmful creatures)
⑥ Inside bathhouses or hammams
⑦ While standing over still water
⑧ While talking to others in close proximity
➡ Speaking to someone during such an act invites the displeasure of Allah.
✔ When urinating, one should seek out soft ground to prevent splashes.
Neglecting this precaution can lead to grave sin and punishment in the grave.
Recite this duʿāʾ before entering the toilet:
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ، اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبْثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
“In the name of Allah. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the male and female devils.”
✔ One should lower the garment close to the ground for maximum coverage and modesty.
It is forbidden to touch the private parts or perform istinjāʾ (cleansing) with the right hand.
✔ While relieving oneself, one should lean slightly on the left foot and keep the right foot upright.
✔ After urinating, it is recommended to squeeze the urinary organ three times to ensure no drops remain.
It is forbidden to cleanse oneself using:
✔ Use three or five stones (pebbles) for cleansing after relieving oneself, as per the Sunnah.
✔ After using stones, performing istinjāʾ with water is more beloved to Allah.
✔ After istinjāʾ, the left hand should be washed thoroughly, preferably using earth or soap if needed.
Upon exiting, recite:
غُفْرَانَكَ، اَلْـحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ الَّذِي أَذْهَبَ عَنِّي الْأَذَى وَعَافَانِي
“I seek Your forgiveness, O Allah. All praise is due to Allah who removed harm from me and granted me well-being.”
The Sunnah of relieving oneself encompasses not only physical cleanliness but also spiritual awareness, modesty, and discipline in accordance with authentic prophetic guidance. These etiquettes are crucial for maintaining both external and internal purity.
Allah knows best.
Source: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth, Kitāb al-Ṭahārah, Volume 1, Pages 43–44
✿ Privacy During Relieving Oneself
✔ One should relieve oneself in a secluded place, out of sight from others, maintaining modesty and dignity as per Sunnah.
✿ Forbidden Places for Relieving Oneself
It is prohibited to relieve oneself in the following locations:
① Public pathways
② Commonly used shaded areas
③ Near water sources (springs, rivers, ghats)
④ Under fruit-bearing trees
⑤ In animal burrows or holes (due to possible presence of jinn or harmful creatures)
⑥ Inside bathhouses or hammams
⑦ While standing over still water
⑧ While talking to others in close proximity
➡ Speaking to someone during such an act invites the displeasure of Allah.
✿ Use of Soft Ground
✔ When urinating, one should seek out soft ground to prevent splashes.
Neglecting this precaution can lead to grave sin and punishment in the grave.
✿ Sitting While Urinating
- It is impermissible to urinate while standing without necessity, as this is against the Sunnah and risks impurity.
If one has a valid excuse, then standing is allowed, provided splashes are avoided.
✿ Sunnah Duʿāʾ Before Relieving Oneself
Recite this duʿāʾ before entering the toilet:
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ، اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبْثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
“In the name of Allah. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the male and female devils.”
✿ Lowering the Garment
✔ One should lower the garment close to the ground for maximum coverage and modesty.
✿ Facing the Qiblah
- It is prohibited to face or turn one’s back to the Qiblah while relieving oneself.
- In constructed toilets, if needed, this may be tolerated.
✿ Prohibition of Right-Hand Usage
It is forbidden to touch the private parts or perform istinjāʾ (cleansing) with the right hand.✿ Recommended Foot Position
✔ While relieving oneself, one should lean slightly on the left foot and keep the right foot upright.
✿ Squeezing the Urinary Organ
✔ After urinating, it is recommended to squeeze the urinary organ three times to ensure no drops remain.
✿ Prohibited Materials for Istinjāʾ
It is forbidden to cleanse oneself using:- Bones
- Dung
✿ Using Pebbles
✔ Use three or five stones (pebbles) for cleansing after relieving oneself, as per the Sunnah.
✿ Using Water
✔ After using stones, performing istinjāʾ with water is more beloved to Allah.
✿ Washing the Hands
✔ After istinjāʾ, the left hand should be washed thoroughly, preferably using earth or soap if needed.
✿ Duʿāʾ After Relieving Oneself
Upon exiting, recite:
غُفْرَانَكَ، اَلْـحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ الَّذِي أَذْهَبَ عَنِّي الْأَذَى وَعَافَانِي
“I seek Your forgiveness, O Allah. All praise is due to Allah who removed harm from me and granted me well-being.”
✔ Summary:
The Sunnah of relieving oneself encompasses not only physical cleanliness but also spiritual awareness, modesty, and discipline in accordance with authentic prophetic guidance. These etiquettes are crucial for maintaining both external and internal purity.
Allah knows best.
