Answering the call of nature is one of the daily necessities of human life. If every action is performed according to the methods taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him – pbuh), even this mundane act becomes a form of worship (Ibadah). Reviving and following the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet ensures peace in both this world and the Hereafter.
Before Entering
- Cover Your Head: One should cover their head when going to relieve themselves.
- Wear Footwear: Ensure you are wearing slippers or shoes.
- Left Foot First: Step into the restroom with your left foot first.
- Recite the Supplication: Before entering, recite the following Dua:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
Transliteration:
“Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba’ith.”
Meaning:
“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the male and female evil spirits (Jinn).”
Inside the Restroom (Rules of Conduct)
- Direction: Do not face or turn your back towards the Qiblah (the direction of the Kaaba) while relieving yourself.
- Hygiene: Avoid spitting inside the restroom.
- Efficiency: Try to complete your business and exit quickly; do not linger.
- Prohibited Areas: Avoid relieving yourself on public pathways, under shady trees, or near water sources.
- Wind and Terrain: Avoid urinating in bushes or against the direction of the wind (to avoid splashback). Do not urinate from a lower ground toward a higher slope.
- Thorough Cleaning: After relieving yourself, wash and clean yourself thoroughly with water.
- Clothing Purity: If urine gets on your clothes, you cannot perform prayer (Salah). Therefore, the affected area must be washed clean with water.
Strict Restrictions While Inside
- Silence: While relieving yourself, you must not speak, reply to the Adhan (call to prayer), say Alhamdulillah after sneezing, offer greetings (Salam), or respond to a Salam.
- Communication: Talking to people outside while you are inside the restroom is not allowed.
- Consumption: Eating or drinking inside the restroom is strictly prohibited.
Upon Exiting
- Right Foot First: Step out of the restroom with your right foot first.
- Recite the Supplication: Once outside, recite the following Dua:
غُفْرَانَكَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَذْهَبَ عَنِّي الْأَذَىٰ وَعَافَانِي
Transliteration:
“Ghufranaka. Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi adh-haba ‘annil-adha wa ‘afani.”
Meaning:
“O Allah! Grant me Your forgiveness. All praise is due to Allah, who removed from me the impurities that cause discomfort, relieved my distress, and granted me health and well-being.”
