Sunnats and Duas upon Entering and Leaving the Toilet
- For the purpose of Istinja, take along water and lumps of clay. To use three lumps of clay, or three stones, is Mustahab. If circumstances prevail, then this will be sufficient. However, difficulties in flushing the toilet occur when using clay, hence, Ulama have advised that toilet paper should be used instead.
- It was the practice of Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam to relieve himself with his head covered and shoes on his feet.
- Before entering the toilet, recite:
- بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أَعُوذُ بِك مِنْ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ
- Mullah Ali Qari Rahimahullah has written in Mirqaat that, with the blessings of the recitation of this Dua, a veil is cast between the person relieving himself, and the evil Jinn. Hence, they are unable to see one’s private parts.
- When entering the toilet, enter with the left foot.
- Before removing the undergarments, it is better to lower oneself as close as possible to the ground, and then remove it.
- After exiting the toilet, recite:
- غُفْرَانَكَ الحمدُ للهِ الَّذِي أذْهَبَ عَنِّي الأَذَى وعَافَانِي
- Before entering the toilet, remove any jewellery or item which has Quraanic Aayaat or the name of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam on it. If a Taweez is covered with a cloth and is sewn, it will be permissible to enter the toilet while wearing it.
- When relieving oneself, do not face towards Qiblah, nor turn the back towards it.
- When relieving oneself, do not speak unless out of absolute necessity. Do not engage in any Zikr in the toilet.
- Be extremely careful and ensure that droplets of urine do not splash upon one, as most of the punishment of the grave is due to not protecting oneself from urine splashes.
- Do not touch the private parts with the right hand during Istinja. Use the left hand for this purpose.
- Where a toilet is not available, relieve oneself behind some barrier so that one is not exposed to others.
- If relieving oneself outside in the open, check for soft ground so that the urine doesn’t splash, and is instead, absorbed into the ground.
- Sit and urinate. Do not urinate while standing.
- After relieving oneself, if one needs to dry himself, he should conceal himself from others.