Islamic toilet etiquette

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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.

[edit] 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 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 other's private parts, and especially not handle each other's private parts.^[6] A man should not touch his private parts with the righthand,^[7] only his left.^{[8][9][10][11][12][13]}

The Islamic prophet Muhammad specified that one should use an odd number of stones (preferably three) to cleanse 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 acceptable, but washing with water is still needed for ritual 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]. This is similar in concept to the prayers said by orthodox Jews when leaving the toilet in which they thank god for the openings used to defecate/urinate.

[edit] 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)