In Islam, going to the bathroom involves the following etiquette:
1. It is not proper for one to carry something that has Allah’s name upon it (unless he is afraid of losing it stolen) while he is going to the bathroom.
Anas (RA) related that the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, had a ring engraved with Muhammad Rasulullah (Muhammad the Messenger of Allah), which he would remove when he went to the bathroom.
2. He should move and hide himself from others.
This is especially true in the case of defecation, so others cannot hear noxious sounds or smell bad odors. Said Jabir, “We were journeying with the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and he would only relieve himself when he was out of sight (Ibn Majah).” Abu Dawud records that, “When he wanted to relieve himself, he would go where no one could see him.” He also related, “When the Messenger of Allah (SAW) went out he would go very far away.”
3. One should mention the name of Allah and seek refuge in Him when entering the privy or removing his clothes to relieve himself.
Anas reported that when the Messenger of Allah (SAW) entered the privy he would say, “In the name of Allah! I seek refuge in You from male and female noxious beings (devils).” (Related by the group)
4. One should not talk
One should not respond to a greeting or repeat what the caller to prayer is saying. He may speak if there is some necessity (i.e., to guide a blind man who fears he may be harmed). If he sneezes, he should praise Allah and simply move his lips without making a sound. Ibn Umar related that a man passed by the Prophet (SAW) and greeted him while he (the Prophet) was urinating. The Prophet did not return his greeting. (The group). Abu Saeed reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say, “Is not it true that Allah detests those who converse while they relieve themselves?” (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Majah)
5. One should neither face nor turn his back on the Qiblah while relieving himself.
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger (SAW) said, “When one of you relieves himself, he should neither face the Qiblah nor turn his back on it.” (Ahmad and Muslim)
The prohibition implies that it is disliked. As Ibn Umar related he once went to Hafsah’s home, where he saw the Messenger (SAW) relieving himself while facing Syria with his back to the Ka’bah. This is related to the “Group.” Some reconcile this hadith by saying that in the desert it is forbidden to face or turn one’s back on the Ka’bah, while it is permitted in buildings. Said Marwan Al-Asghar, “I saw Umar sitting on his she-camel and facing the Qiblah while urinating. I said, ‘O father of Abdurahman, is this not forbidden?’ He said, ‘Certainly not. This has been prohibited only in open areas, there is nothing wrong with it.’”
6. One may not urinate while standing.
If a person can guarantee that no impurities will touch his clothes, it is permissible to urinate while standing. Said Aishah (RA), “If someone relates to you that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) urinated while standing, do not believe him. He only urinated while sitting.” (The Five).
One should not forget that what Aishah said is based on the knowledge that she had. Hidhaifah related that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) went to a public garbage dump and urinated while standing. Hudhaifah went away, and the Prophet (SAW) called him over. The Prophet made ablution and wiped over his shoes. This is related by The group.
Commenting upon the issue, An-Nawawi says, “To urinate while sitting is most desirable in my opinion, but to do so standing is permissible. Both acts are confirmed by the Messenger of Allah (SAW).”
7. One must remove any impurities from his clothes and body.
To do so, he can use a rock, stone, or any other pure matter. One may use only water to clean the area, or any combination of purifying agents. Aishah reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “When one of you goes to relieve himself, he should clean himself with three stones.” (Related by Ahmad, Nasai, Abu Dawud, and Daruqutni)
8. One should not clean himself with his right hand.
Abdurrahman ibn Zaid related that Salman was asked, “Your Prophet teaches you everything, even how to relieve yourselves?” Salman said, “Certainly. He forbade us from facing the Qiblah while doing so, from cleaning ourselves with our right hand, and from cleaning ourselves with less than three stones. We also should not use an impure substance or bone to clean ourselves.” (Muslim, Abu Dawud, and Timidhi)
9. One should remove any bad smell from his hands after cleaning himself.
Abu Hurayrah said, “When the Messenger of Allah (SAW) relieved himself, I used to bring him a container of water. He would clean himself, then rub his hands against the soil.” (Abu Dawud, Nasai, Baihaqi, and Ibn Majah)
10. Entering the bathroom
One should enter the bathroom or a privacy with his left foot, and exit with his right foot, saying: “O Allah! I seek your forgiveness.” Aishah related that when the Messenger of Allah (SAW) left the bathroom, he would say this supplication. (The Five)
by Shaikh Sayeed Sabiq
