Istinjāʾ and Etiquettes (Purification After Relieving Oneself)
Definition of Istinjāʾ
Istinjāʾ refers to removing impurity (najāsah) from the private parts after urination or defecation, in order to restore ritual cleanliness.
Istinjāʾ is obligatory (wājib) according to Islamic law, based on authentic evidence from the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.
Materials Permissible for Istinjāʾ
It is permissible to use clean materials that can effectively remove impurity, such as:
- Hard, dry objects
- Materials capable of wiping away impurity
Examples include stones, paper, or similar items.
The Best Method of Istinjāʾ
The best method is:
- Wiping first with stones or similar materials to remove the physical impurity.
- Washing afterward with water to remove remaining traces.
Using water alone is sufficient, as water removes both the impurity itself and its traces.
If stones or dry materials are used instead of water, the following conditions must be met:
- The material must be dry
- It must be used after urination or defecation has stopped
- The impurity must not spread beyond the normal exit area
- For men: impurity must not spread beyond the penis
- For women: impurity must not spread beyond the private area
The wiping must be done at least three times, and if cleanliness is not achieved, it should be increased.
It is recommended to wipe an odd number of times (3, 5, or 7).
Evidence for Istinjāʾ with Stones
It is narrated from Anas ibn Mālik (رضي الله عنه) that when the Prophet ﷺ entered the place of relieving himself, he would carry water and use it for purification.
It is also narrated from ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd (رضي الله عنه) that the Prophet ﷺ used three stones for purification and said:
“This is sufficient.”
Number of Stones Required
The Prophet ﷺ used three stones, and it is prohibited to use fewer than three.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“None of you should perform istinjāʾ with fewer than three stones.”
Items That Are Not Permissible for Istinjāʾ
It is not permitted to use:
- Impure materials
- Items contaminated with impurity
- Human food
- Food of the jinn, such as bones or animal dung
These items are honored as sustenance and not meant for purification.
Etiquettes of Relieving Oneself
1. Place of Relieving Oneself
It is prohibited to relieve oneself:
- On pathways used by people
- In shaded places where people rest
- In places that cause harm or inconvenience
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Beware of the two acts that bring curses upon their doer.”
They are relieving oneself on people’s pathways or in their shaded resting places.
2. Urinating in Water
It is forbidden to urinate in still water, as it can contaminate the water and harm others.
3. Direction While Relieving Oneself
It is prohibited to face or turn one’s back toward the Qiblah while relieving oneself in an open area.
However, if one is inside a building or behind a barrier, some scholars permit it.
4. Speaking While Relieving Oneself
Speaking during relieving oneself is disliked (makrūh).
It is reported that the Prophet ﷺ did not return greetings while urinating.
5. Using the Left Hand
One must use the left hand for purification and must not use the right hand.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When one of you urinates, he should not touch his private part with his right hand, nor clean himself with it.”
6. Supplications Before and After Entering the Toilet
Before entering:
“Bismillāh. Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika min al-khubthi wal-khabāʾith.”
After leaving:
“Ghufrānaka. Al-ḥamdu lillāhilladhī adh-haba ʿannī al-adhā wa ʿāfānī.”
Purification from Ḥadath
Definition of Ḥadath
Linguistically, ḥadath means something that occurs.
In Islamic law, it refers to an intangible state that prevents acts of worship such as prayer.
Types of Ḥadath
Ḥadath is divided into two types:
1. Minor Ḥadath
Occurs in specific body parts such as:
- Face
- Hands and arms
- Head
- Feet
It is removed by ablution (wuḍūʾ).
2. Major Ḥadath
Affects the entire body, making prayer impermissible.
It is removed by full ritual bathing (ghusl).
After performing ghusl, a person may resume acts of worship.
Summary
- Istinjāʾ is obligatory after urination or defecation
- Water is the best means of purification, but stones may be used with conditions
- Islam emphasizes cleanliness while avoiding hardship
- Ḥadath has two types: minor (requiring wuḍūʾ) and major (requiring ghusl)