In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Toilet Etiquette (for 9 years old and more)
Islam is a complete way of life. It teaches us how to behave in every aspect of our lives, including using the toilet!
What Is Wajib When Using the Toilet?
It is wajib to hide our private parts from others at all times, even from our parents and siblings.
After using the toilet, we must wash ourselves with water at least twice (wajib) but preferably 3 times.
Most public places (such as schools, restaurants and shopping centres) do not have water containers. We should therefore take a disposable cup or water bottle with us so that we can fill it with water to wash ourselves after using the toilet.
If you do not have a cup or bottle, you can use tissue to clean and dry yourself, but when you go home, you will still need to wash yourself with water properly and change your underwear before you are tahir again and can pray salah.
The rules of taharah should always be kept in mind so that the clothes and body are not touched by urine or any najis al-ayn. If it is, it should be washed with water 3 times to clean it.
What Actions Are Haram When Using the Toilet?
When using the toilet, it is haram to face the qiblah or have your back, facing it.
It is also haram to relieve oneself on private property without the permission of the owner.
It is not permissible to relieve oneself in a place that would be disrespectful, such as:
- the compound of a masjid, church or other religious sites
- near graves
- on a path, alley or road where people usually walk
- in a public place where others may see you naked
What Is Considered Makruh When Using the Toilet?
It is makruh to relieve oneself under a tree.
Most men’s public washrooms have standing urinals. We should not use urinals because urinating while standing is makruh. Always sit and urinate. If it is a public place, you may have to wipe the seat and dry it with some tissue first.
When in the washroom, it is also makruh to:
- talk
- read
- sit in the toilet for a long time unnecessarily
It is also makruh to suppress your urge to urinate. In fact, if it is harmful to your health, then it becomes haram to do so.
What Are the Mustahab Acts When Using the Toilet?
It is mustahab to remember Allah [SWT] and thank Him for the healthy body he has given us, and the ability to remove waste from it. We should also ask Allah [SWT] to help us purify our souls of spiritual filth just as He has helped us to purify our bodies.
It is also mustahhab to urinate before doing wudu for salah and before going to sleep.
