Using the toilet and its manners
There is an etiquette that must be followed when using the toilet. Islam has described how one should take care of his personal hygiene. Other acts are prohibited like facing or turning one’s back to the qiblah.
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Facing the qiblah when relieving oneself
Facing the qiblah or turning one’s back to it in an open area when reliving oneself is prohibited. However, if the toilet is in a building or there is a screen between the person using it and the qiblah, one may use it.
When going to the toilet
More than one hadith clarify what should be done when going to the toilet. Entering with the left foot and leaving with the right one is recommended, as well as saying some prayers and other points discussed below.
What is forbidden when relieving oneself
God has forbidden some acts when one relives himself like urinating or defecating in stagnant water, by roadsides or reading Quran in the toilet. This article clarifies all these acts and the reason behind each.
What is reprehensible when relieving oneself
Some acts are reprehensible when someone is relieving himself such as talking to anyone or to urinate over a crevice in the ground. It is also reprehensible to urinate facing wind direction if it is in an open area.
Recommended practices of sound nature
There are five practices also called ‘nature’s fine characteristics’ that each Muslim should perform to keep the best and most complete form. Practices and the reason behind them are explained in the article.
Ablution, i.e. Wudu’
Wudu means cleanliness and brightness. But in Islam it refers to washing the face, arms, head and feet with clean water. In other words it is called ablution. It is obligatory before prayer or similar worship acts.
Basis of obligation
Valid ablution is mandatory for any Muslim to pray and there is no other view on this subject. For ablution to be correct one must be sane, have the intention, follow the proper order and wash the obligatory parts.
What invalidates the ablution
There are some things that make ablution invalid; such as any discharge from private parts and this applies to stool, urine, semen, blood and wind. Also Deep sleep and touching one’s private parts break ablution.
What does not invalidate ablution
No prayer would be accepted if one’s ablution has been invalidated. But there are some cases and situations that are mistakenly thought to break the ablution like vomiting and other situations mentioned below.
When ablution is required
Wudu (ablution) is required in some situations; like prayer. As God would not accept a prayer without ablution. Other cases like tawaf (going around the Kabah) and holding Quran without cover also require wudu.
When ablution is recommended
In some cases ablution is not mandatory but it is recommended as the person is in his best state when he has performed the ablution. These situations include; reciting Quran, sleeping, or before each prayer.
Wiping over the khuff
Kuff is what is worn over the feet. It includes socks and could be made of various materials. God has permitted his servants to wipe over it during ablution if they cover the feet up to the ankles as a form of easiness.
Conditions for wiping over the khuffs
Instead of removing your socks or khuffs during each ablution, one can wipe over it. But there are some conditions and rules to be followed so the wiping is valid. This article discusses these conditions in details.
How to wipe
Wiping over the kuffs is permitted instead of removing it during ablution. The Prophet (PBUH) used to wipe over the top of his khuffs, and if one wipes over the back or the bottom of his khuffs; wiping is invalid.
Conditions making wiping over the khuffs invalid
Wiping over khuff during ablution is a form of Islam easiness when it is hard to remove it or its likes. But some conditions make it invalid like; time limit and feet exposure. More cases are clarified in this article.
Ghusl, or taking a bath
Ghusl in Islam is to pour pure water over one’s body in a special way with the intention of worshipping Allah. And it is obligatory in some cases like semen discharge, converting to Islam, after menstruation.
Recommended ghusl
Ghusl is recommended and a must in many cases as a refresher and a way to be purer. These cases include; before Friday prayer, Eid prayer, entering the state of consecration and after washing a deceased person.
Performing ghusl – How it is done
Women ghusl procedure starts by pouring water on her hair for three times making sure that the water reaches the skin of her head then she continues washing the rest of her body.
Dry ablution
Dry ablution “Tayamum” is performing ablution using dust when water is not available. In this case, pure dust is passed lightly over one’s face and hands. It is a legitimate concession granted for Muslims.