Hadith on Sitting While Urinating
Narrated by Aisha (رضي الله عنها):"Since the time the Qur'an was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), he never urinated while standing."
[Reported by Hafiz Abu Awanah with an authentic chain]
✔ Verification and Referencing:
✔ Sources: Musnad Ahmad (6/136-192), Sunan At-Tirmidhi (who classified it as the most authentic narration on this matter), Sunan An-Nasa’i (1/26), Sunan Ibn Majah (307), Al-Mustadrak by Al-Hakim (1/181) - authenticated by Imam Al-Hakim and supported by Imam Adh-Dhahabi.
Hadith on Standing While Urinating
Narrated by Abu Hudhaifah (رضي الله عنه):"The Prophet (ﷺ) once came to a garbage heap of a certain people and urinated while standing."
[Muttafaqun ‘Alayh - Agreed Upon]
✔ Verification and Referencing: Sahih Bukhari (224), Sahih Muslim (273)
Narrated by Mughira bin Shu‘ba (رضي الله عنه):
"The Prophet (ﷺ) came to a garbage heap, spread his legs, and urinated while standing."
✔ Verification and Referencing: Musnad Ahmad (4/246), Ibn Khuzaymah (63), Al-Bayhaqi (1/101)
Context: The Prophet (ﷺ) reportedly had a sore on his leg, making it difficult for him to sit while urinating.
Key Points Derived from the Hadith
✔ Standing while urinating without a valid reason is prohibited in Islam.✔ There appears to be a contradiction between Aisha (رضي الله عنها)'s narration and that of Abu Hudhaifah and Mughira bin Shu‘ba (رضي الله عنهما). However, Aisha (رضي الله عنها) spoke from her personal observation within the house, whereas the Sahabah, who accompanied the Prophet (ﷺ) in travel and various settings, observed instances where he urinated while standing. This indicates that standing urination was only done when necessary.
✔ If a valid reason exists, such as illness, leg pain, surgery, or an unsanitary environment, then standing urination is permissible. However, one should ensure that urine splashes do not soil the body or clothes.
✔ Public garbage disposal sites or isolated places away from homes can be used for urination if needed.
✔ Gathering information about an individual’s habits and biography can be done by asking their family members. Aisha (رضي الله عنها), being the Prophet’s wife, was able to give insight into his personal habits.
✔ One should not urinate in places where it is forbidden (e.g., inside someone’s private property or enclosed spaces) without permission. Unfortunately, many people tend to urinate near walls with "No Urination" signs, demonstrating ignorance, stubbornness, or a lack of self-discipline.
✔ Western influence should not override Islamic teachings. Western attire, such as pants with zippers, often encourages standing urination, which results in incomplete purification, hygiene issues, and neglect of Islamic manners.
✔ Islamic attire promotes modesty and cleanliness, aligning with the Sunnah and good hygiene practices.
[This content is taken from the book Diya' Al-Islam Fi Sharh Al-Imam Bi Ahadith Al-Ahkam by Sheikh Taqi Al-Din Abu Al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.]