How to Istinja Urinate

Islamic Toilet Etiquette & Bathroom Duas: A Complete Guide

Introduction: What is Islamic Toilet Etiquette?

Islamic toilet etiquette is the Muslim way of staying clean after using the bathroom. This practice, called Istinja, means to wash with water.

It is a key part of Taharah (purity) in Islam. Taharah is not just being physically clean. It is a spiritual cleanliness required for your Salah (prayer) and for touching the Quran.

Following this Islamic toilet etiquette was taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is an act of worship and obedience to Allah. It also keeps you healthy and fresh.

The Importance & Benefits of Istinja in Islam

Istinja is very important in Islam. It is the first step to make Wudu (ablution). Without Wudu, your Salah (prayer) is not accepted by Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned us to be very careful about urine. He said that being careless is a major sin. This shows how serious Islamic purity is.

This practice also has many health benefits. Doctors say washing with water helps prevent infections. It keeps your skin clean and free from germs. So, Istinja is good for your body and your soul.

How to Perform Istinja: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Performing Istinja is easy. You can do it in two ways: with water or with toilet paper. Water is the best and cleanest way.

What You'll Need for Istinja

Water: This is the best thing to use. It cleans perfectly.
A Lota: This is a small pot with a handle. It helps you pour water with one hand. You can also use a water bottle or a bidet.
Toilet Paper: This is useful for drying after washing with water. You can also use it alone if you cannot find water.
Muslim Shower: A Water line of flexible pipe with a sprayer nozzle at the end.

These simple things help you follow the Islamic toilet etiquette correctly.

Step 1: Before You Enter

Enter the bathroom with your left foot first.
Do not face the Qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca) when you relieve yourself.
Say the dua for entering the bathroom in your heart.

Step 2: While You Are There

- Be careful. Do not let urine splash on your body or clothes.
- Sit down if you can. It is cleaner and safer.
- Do not talk or say “Bismillah” inside.

Step 3: How to Clean (Istinja)

Method 1: Performing Istinja with Water

This is the best way. It makes you the cleanest. After urinating

Get Ready: Have your lota or water bottle close to you.
Use Your Left Hand: Hold the lota with your left hand.
Pour and Wash: Pour water over the private area. Use your fingers to clean gently. Make sure water reaches everywhere.
Check: Keep washing until all dirt is gone. The skin should feel clean.
Dry: Pat the area dry with clean toilet paper.

This method with water makes sure you are pure for prayer.

Method 2: Performing Istinja with Toilet Paper

Use this way only if you cannot find water.

Use Odd Numbers: Take 3, 5, or 7 pieces of toilet paper.
Wipe Carefully: Wipe the private area until the paper looks completely clean.
Check: Make sure the skin is dry. No wetness should be left.

This is a good way to clean when water is not there. But when you find water, you should wash with it to be fully clean.

Which Method is Better?

Water is the better way. It is the Sunnah method taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Here is why:

Water cleans better: It washes away all traces of dirt that paper cannot remove.
It is healthier: Water helps stop germs that can cause infections.
It feels cleaner: It leaves you feeling fresh and pure.

Using toilet paper is allowed, but it is a second choice. Use it only when you cannot find water. The best practice is to use both: paper first, then water to wash.

Step 4: When You Leave

Wash both your hands with soap and water.
Leave the bathroom with your right foot first.
Say the dua for leaving the bathroom.

Bathroom Duas: What to Say Before Entering and After Leaving

Saying prayers, or Duas, for the bathroom is very important. It protects you and reminds you of Allah.

You say one Dua before you go in and a different Dua after you come out. These are short and easy to remember.

Dua Before Entering the Bathroom

Before you enter, say this in your heart:

In Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبْثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ

Transliteration (How to say it):
“Bismillahi, Allāhumma innī a`ūdhu bika minal-khubthi wal-khabā’ith“

English Meaning:
“In the name of Allah. O Allah, I seek protection in You from the male and female evil spirits.“

Remember: Do not say Allah’s name out loud inside the bathroom. Say it in your heart before you step in.

Dua After Leaving the Bathroom

After you leave and wash your hands, say this:

In Arabic:
غُفْرَانَكَ

Transliteration (How to say it):
“Ghufrānaka”

English Meaning:
“I seek Your forgiveness.“

This is a simple way to thank Allah for keeping you safe and clean.

Islamic Bathroom Etiquette: Do's, Don'ts & Common Mistakes

Following the right rules in the bathroom is a key part of Islamic toilet etiquette. Here is a simple list of what to do and what not to do.

Do’s (Good Things to Do)

Enter with your left foot first.
Leave with your right foot first.
Be careful to keep your clothes and body clean.
Wash your hands with soap when you finish.

Don’ts (Things to Avoid)

Do not face the Qibla (direction of prayer) when relieving yourself.
Do not speak or answer anyone inside.
Do not take a phone or Quran inside.
Do not waste water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not washing properly. Make sure you are completely clean.
Using the right hand to clean. Always use your left hand.
Using only toilet paper when water is available. Water is better.

Following these rules shows respect for Allah and keeps you pure.

Istinja for Women and During Menstruation

The way to do Istinja is the same for everyone. But women need to be extra careful during their monthly period.

Special Care During Menstruation

When a woman has her period, she must clean herself very well after using the toilet.
Blood is an impurity (najis), so it is very important to wash it all away.
She should use water to make sure she is completely clean, especially in the folds of the skin.

Getting Ready for Prayer Again

When her period ends, she must take a full bath called Ghusl.
The first step of Ghusl is to do Istinja perfectly. This removes all physical impurities.
After a perfect Istinja, she can then wash her whole body for Ghusl and become pure for prayer.

Remember, being clean is for your health and your worship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can Muslims Use Toilet Paper? (And Is Water Mandatory?

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:

Summary: Key Points to Remember

Here are the most important things to remember about Islamic toilet etiquette:

Istinja means cleaning yourself with water after using the toilet. It is the first step to purity.
Always use your left hand for washing.
Water is the best and cleanest way. Use toilet paper only if water is not there.
Say the bathroom duas before you enter and after you leave.
Do not face the Qibla and do not talk inside.
For women, be extra clean during your monthly period.
Always wash your hands with soap when you finish.