Islamic Hygienical Jurisprudence - Islamic Toilet Etiquette

Islamic Toilet Etiquette

The Islamic faith has particular rules regarding personal hygiene when going to the toilet. This code is known as Qadaahul Haajah.

Issues of laterality, such as whether one uses the left or right hand and the foot used to step into or out of toilet areas, are derived from hadith sources. The only issue which the Qur'an mentions is the one of washing one's hands especially following going to the toilet which is mentioned in verse 5:6.

Examples of these rules include, but are not limited to:

• It is strongly forbidden to make the toilet close to the flowing waters, or to be by a flowing water whilst relieving yourself.
• It is more preferable to step into the bathroom area with left leg and step outside the bathroom area with right leg.
• One should remain silent whilst on the toilet. Talking, answering greetings or greeting others is heavily disliked.
• One should not face nor turn one's back on Qibla whilst relieving oneself.
• When leaving the toilet one should also say a prayer, "Praise be to God who relieved me of the filth and gave me relief."
• Use of toilet paper is acceptable, but washing with water is still needed for purity.