Islamic toilet etiquette

This is a sub-article to Islamic hygienical jurisprudence

The Islamic faith has particular rules regarding personal hygiene when going to the toilet. This code is known as Qadaa al-Haajah.^[1][2]

Issues of chirality, 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.^[3] 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.

Rules

A Muslim must first find an acceptable place away from standing water, or people's pathways or shade.^[4] They must then enter the area with the left foot,^[5] facing neither towards nor away from the Al-Qiblah.^[1]

While on the toilet, one must remain silent. Talking, answering greetings or greeting others is forbidden.^[1] When defecating together, two men cannot converse, nor look at each others private parts.^[6] A man should not touch his private parts with the right hand,^[7] instead using the left hand for touching private parts.^{[8][9][10][11][12][13]}

The Islamic prophet Muhammad specified that one should use an odd number of stones to clean the anal orifice after defecation and then proceed to a different location to wash it with water. Use of toilet paper in place of stones is now thought acceptable, but washing with water is still needed for purity.^[14] When leaving the toilet, one must leave with the right foot,^[5] and also say a prayer - "Praise be to Allah who relieved me of the filth and gave me relief."^[1]

Notes

This article's citation style may be unclear. The references used may be made clearer with a different or consistent style of citation, footnoting, or external linking. (September 2009)