Islamic Worship Purification Taharat How to Istinja Urinate

Islamic Bathroom Etiquette: How to Perform Istinja & Toilet Manners

How to Perform Istinja in Islam

What is Istinja in Islam?

From the Qur’an

  1. General Importance of Purification:
    • “Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly turn to Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.”
      (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:222)
  2. Avoiding Impurity:
    • “And your clothing purify.”
      (Surah Al-Muddathir, 74:4)
      This verse emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, including after using the toilet.

From Hadith

  1. Seeking Refuge Before Entering the Toilet:
    • The Prophet ﷺ said:
      “When one of you goes to relieve himself, let him say: ‘Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-khubthi wal-khaba’ith’ (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the male and female devils).”
      (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 142; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 375)
  2. Avoiding the Qibla:
    • The Prophet ﷺ said:
      “When you go to relieve yourself, do not face the Qibla or turn your back towards it; rather, face east or west.”
      (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 394; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 264)
  3. Cleaning with Water (Istinja):
    • Aisha (RA) narrated:
      “The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘When you go to relieve yourself, clean yourself with three stones, and that will suffice for you.'”
      (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 156; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 271)
      However, using water is better and more recommended, as the Prophet ﷺ practiced it.
  4. Punishment for Neglecting Cleanliness:
    • The Prophet ﷺ passed by two graves and said:
      “They are being punished, but not for a major sin. One of them used not to shield himself from his urine, and the other used to walk around spreading gossip.”
      (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 218; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 292)
  5. Avoid Urinating in Certain Places:
    • The Prophet ﷺ said:
      “Beware of those acts that cause curses: relieving oneself in shaded areas (that people use), in a walkway, or in a water source.”
      (Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith 26)
  6. Dua After Leaving the Toilet:
    • The Prophet ﷺ would say:
      “Ghufranaka (I seek Your forgiveness).”
      (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 300; Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 7)

Summary

  • Qur’an emphasizes purification and cleanliness.
  • Hadith provides detailed instructions on how to maintain hygiene and avoid impurity, including using water (Istinja), avoiding facing the Qibla, and protecting oneself from urine splashes.

✨A Complete Guide to Islamic Hygiene ✨

🌟 Table of Contents

    1. Introduction: What is Istinja? More Than Just Cleaning

    2. The Importance of Istinja in Islam

    3. What You’ll Need: Water, Toilet Paper, and the Lota

    4. Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Istinja with Water

    5. How to Perform Istinja with Toilet Paper (When Water is Unavailable)

    6. Islamic Toilet Manners: The Duas (Supplications)

    7. Islamic Bathroom Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

    8. Common Mistakes to Avoid During Istinja

    9. Istinja for Women: Special Considerations

    10. Hygiene and Health Benefits of Istinja

    11. Summary: Key Points to Remember

    12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Introduction: What is Istinja? More Than Just Cleaning

Istinja (استنجاء) is the Arabic term for the act of cleansing oneself after urinating or defecating. Its goal is to thoroughly remove all physical impurities (najasah) from the private areas and surrounding skin.

But in Islam, Istinja is more than just physical cleaning; it is the first step in maintaining ritual purity (Taharah), which is a prerequisite for acts of worship like prayer and reading Quran. It is a practice rooted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who provided clear instructions on personal hygiene.

2. The Importance of Istinja in Islam

The importance of Istinja is deeply tied to the Islamic emphasis on purity. Since prayers are invalid if performed while in a state of impurity, ensuring one is physically clean is essential.

The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized cleanliness in all matters, especially this one. He warned against being careless with urine, as it is the most common impurity. He said:

“Most of the punishment of the grave will be because of urine.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 342)

This strong warning was not about the urine itself, but about the negligence in properly cleaning it. It highlights the seriousness Islam places on spiritual and physical purity.

3. What You’ll Need: Water, Toilet Paper, and the Lota

3.1 What is a Lota? (The Traditional Vessel)

A lota is a small pot or vessel with a handle, traditionally used in many Muslim and Asian households to pour water for Istinja. It is designed for easy use with one hand, allowing for controlled and thorough washing. Today, any bottle, jug, or bidet attachment that serves the same purpose is perfectly acceptable. The tool is not what matters; the effective use of water is.

3.2 Can Muslims Use Toilet Paper?

Yes, absolutely. Muslims can use toilet paper. The primary and most effective method is water, but the use of solid, clean materials like stones or paper is also permitted based on the practice of the Prophet (PBUH).

The general rule is:

  • Water is preferred for its superior cleaning ability.

  • Toilet paper alone is sufficient if water is completely unavailable.

  • The best practice is to use both: toilet paper for the initial cleaning followed by water for a thorough wash. This combines the benefits of both methods.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Istinja with Water

This is the most effective and recommended method.

  1. Prepare Your Water: Have your lota or water bottle within easy reach before you sit down.

  2. Relieve Yourself: Use the toilet as normal.

  3. Initial Wipe (Optional but Recommended): Use a small amount of toilet paper to remove the bulk of the impurity. This helps prevent excessive soiling of the water and your hands.

  4. Wash with Water:

    • Using your left hand, pour water over the private area.

    • With the fingers of your left hand, gently rub the area to ensure the water reaches everywhere and thoroughly cleanses the skin and all folds.

    • Continue pouring and washing until you are certain that all traces of impurity are gone and the area feels physically clean.

  5. Dry Yourself: Use clean toilet paper or a clean towel to pat the area dry. This completes the process and ensures comfort.

Key Tip: Always use your left hand for washing and cleaning the private parts, as the right hand is reserved for eating and other clean acts.

5. How to Perform Istinja with Toilet Paper (When Water is Unavailable)

If you have no access to water, you can perform Istinja using toilet paper, tissues, or even clean stones or dry earth.

  1. Use an Odd Number of Wipes: It is recommended from the Sunnah to use an odd number of wipes (e.g., 3, 5, 7).

  2. Wipe Thoroughly: Wipe the area until the paper comes away completely clean with no visible traces of impurity.

  3. Ensure Dryness: Ensure the area is dry. If any moisture from urine remains, it could soil your clothes and invalidate your state of purity.

Once you regain access to water, it is highly recommended to wash with water for complete cleanliness.

6. Islamic Toilet Manners: The Duas (Supplications)

Entering and leaving the bathroom comes with specific prayers to seek protection from God and remember Him even in this private moment.

6.1 Dua Before Entering the Bathroom

Before entering, recite the following prayer to seek Allah’s protection from evil spirits:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ] اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبْثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ]
[Bismillahi] Allāhumma innī a`ūdhu bika minal-khubthi wal-khabā’ith
“(In the name of Allah). O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the male and female evil spirits.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 142)

Note: It is recommended to say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) silently in your heart before entering, as it is not permissible to recite God’s name in the toilet.

6.2 Dua After Leaving the Bathroom

After leaving and preferably after washing your hands, recite this prayer of gratitude:

غُفْرَانَكَ
Ghufrānaka
“I seek Your forgiveness.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 30, graded Sahih)

This is a simple and beautiful way to return to remembering Allah after completing a necessary human function.

7. Islamic Bathroom Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’sDon’ts
Enter with your left foot first.Do not face or have your back towards the Qiblah (the direction of prayer towards Mecca) while relieving yourself outdoors. In a modern toilet, this is often overlooked due to design.
Leave with your right foot first.Do not speak, answer greetings, or say “Bismillah” aloud inside the bathroom.
Keep your gaze lowered and be modest.Do not take phones or Quran into the bathroom.
Clean the toilet seat if you splash anything.Do not waste water.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap afterward.Do not urinate while standing if it may cause splashes on your body or clothes. (It is permissible but disliked).

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid During Istinja

  • Insufficient Washing: Not using enough water or not rubbing to ensure a thorough clean.

  • Touching Impurities: Allowing your right hand to come into contact with impurities.

  • Relying Only on Paper When Water is Available: While paper is permissible, using water is superior and should be the default choice.

  • Being Wasteful: Using an excessive amount of water or paper is discouraged in Islam.

9. Istinja for Women: Special Considerations

The method of performing Istinja is the same for both men and women. However, women should take extra care during menstruation or postpartum bleeding to ensure a thorough clean, especially when preparing for Ghusl (the ritual bath) at the end of their period. The folds should be cleaned properly to ensure no old blood remains.

10. Hygiene and Health Benefits of Istinja

Modern science confirms the health benefits of this ancient practice:

  • Prevents Infections: Water cleaning is more effective than wiping alone at preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and anal fissures.

  • Reduces Irritation: It is gentler on the skin and reduces the risk of irritation and hemorrhoids associated with dry wiping.

  • Promotes Freshness: It provides a feeling of ultimate cleanliness and freshness throughout the day.

11. Summary: Key Points to Remember

  • Istinja is the Islamic practice of cleansing after using the toilet.

  • Water is the preferred and most effective method.

  • Toilet paper is permissible when water is unavailable.

  • Specific prayers (duas) are recited before entering and after leaving the bathroom.

  • Use the left hand for cleansing and the right hand for clean activities.

  • The goal is complete physical cleanliness to maintain ritual purity for worship.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is using water mandatory, or is toilet paper enough?

1. Is using water mandatory, or is toilet paper enough? Using water is not absolutely mandatory but is the strongly recommended Sunnah method based on the Prophet's consistent practice and instruction. Toilet paper is enough based on the concession for using stones. Scholars agree that water is superior. Imam An-Nawawi stated in his commentary on Sahih Muslim: "The scholars have agreed that Istinja’ is done with water or with stones or with any pure thing that removes the impurity... and that Istinja’ with water is more complete and better."

2. What if I'm in a public restroom with no water or lota?

In this case, use toilet paper thoroughly until the paper comes away clean. Your action is valid as you are using the concession granted for the absence of water. If you need to pray and have no water for Wudu, you would then perform Tayammum.

3. Why can't we say 'Bismillah' out loud in the bathroom?

It is a sign of respect for the name of Allah. Bathrooms are places where impurities are exposed, and it is undignified to recite God's holy name in such a context. We say it in our hearts before entering to maintain the connection while respecting the etiquette.

4. How do I perform Istinja during menstruation?

The method is exactly the same. Women should be especially thorough during their period to ensure all blood is cleaned away. When preparing for Ghusl at the end of the period, a complete Istinja is the essential first step before performing the ritual bath.

5. Do I need to make Wudu after performing Istinja?

Performing Istinja itself does not "require" Wudu. However, the act of urinating or defecating is one of the nullifiers of Wudu. Therefore, after you finish Istinja, you must perform a new Wudu before you can pray, as your previous Wudu was broken when you used the toilet.

6. Can I use wet wipes?

Yes, unscented, alcohol-free wet wipes are an excellent modern tool that can be used for Istinja, either on their own or in conjunction with water. They are particularly useful when traveling.

7. What is the proof for using the left hand?

The Prophet (PBUH) explicitly designated the uses for each hand. It is narrated that he said: "None of you should hold his private part with his right hand while urinating, nor should he clean himself with his right hand." (Sahih al-Bukhari 153)

8. What if water splashes back from the toilet onto my clothes?

If water splashes from the toilet bowl onto your body or clothes, that water is considered impure (najis) because it has come into contact with an impure surface. You must wash that spot on your clothing before you can pray in it. This is why it is important to be careful when pouring water. The principle is that if water splashes from a impure source, it itself becomes impure. This is based on the general Islamic principle that if an impurity touches something pure, it renders it impure.

9. Is it necessary to wash the hands after Istinja even if they didn't get dirty?

Yes, it is highly recommended (Sunnah) to wash your hands with soap and water after leaving the bathroom, even if you believe they are clean. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized general hygiene. Furthermore, this practice ensures that any unseen droplets or traces are removed. While it may not technically nullify Wudu if untouched, it is a crucial part of the overall hygiene practice taught in Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) advised washing hands upon waking up because "you do not know where your hands have moved during the night." (Sahih Muslim 299) The same precaution applies here.

10. I have a physical disability that makes it hard to reach. What should I do?

Islam is a religion of ease and provides concessions for those with valid difficulties. If you are unable to perform Istinja yourself due to a disability, illness, or injury, you are excused from the obligation of the specific method. The objective is to achieve cleanliness to the best of your ability. You may:

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