Etiquettes of Relieving Oneself in Islam | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. One of the most beautiful aspects of Islam is that it provides guidance for every part of our daily life, including something as natural as relieving oneself. While this may seem simple, the Prophet ﷺ taught us etiquettes that preserve purity, modesty, and respect for Allah’s blessings.

Allah ﷻ commands purification in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222)👉 quran.com/2/222

After relieving oneself, cleanliness is achieved either by washing with water (istinja) or by wiping with stones, tissues, or similar materials (istijmar), in odd numbers such as three or five. Both are valid, but using water is preferred.

The Prophet ﷺ instructed:
“When you drink, do not breathe into the vessel. When you urinate, do not touch your private part with your right hand. And when you cleanse yourself, do not use your right hand.”(Sahih al-Bukhari 5630 – Sahih)👉 sunnah.com/bukhari:5630

Before entering the toilet, one should say:
“Allahumma inni a‘udhu bika minal-khubthi wal-khaba’ith”
(“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the male and female devils.”)(Sahih al-Bukhari 142 – Sahih)👉 sunnah.com/bukhari:142

Upon exiting, the Sunnah is to say:
“Ghufranak” (“I seek Your forgiveness.”)
(Sunan Abi Dawud 30 – Sahih)👉 sunnah.com/abudawud:30

1. Entering with the left foot and exiting with the right.

2. Avoiding urination in paths, shaded areas, or water sources, as it harms people and brings Allah’s curse.

3. Not speaking inside except for necessity.

4. Avoid urinating in holes, as they may be inhabited by jinn or creatures.

The Prophet ﷺ showed mercy even in correction. Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه narrated:
A Bedouin urinated in the mosque, and the people shouted at him. The Prophet ﷺ stopped them and after he finished, commanded that a bucket of water be poured over it.(Sahih al-Bukhari 219 – Muttafaqun ‘Alayh, Authentic)👉 sunnah.com/bukhari:219

Part of etiquette is refraining from cursing while in such a state. Abu Darda رضي الله عنه reported:
“When a person curses something, the curse ascends to heaven and the gates are closed. It descends to the earth and its gates are closed. It turns right and left, and if it finds no way, it returns to the one who was cursed — if he deserves it. Otherwise, it returns to the one who uttered it.”(Riyad as-Salihin 1556, Abu Dawud – Sahih)👉 sunnah.com/riyadussalihin:1556

The etiquettes of relieving oneself are a reflection of Islam’s perfection. By following these Sunnahs, we not only maintain physical cleanliness but also protect our spiritual state. Even simple daily acts can become a source of reward when done according to the Sunnah.

May Allah grant us the ability to implement these etiquettes in our daily lives.