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.

Sources of Aqeedah 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. In this blog, I will summarize a key lesson on the sources of Aqeedah (Islamic creed). Aqeedah is the foundation of our faith, and it must be taken from authentic sources: the Qur’an, the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and the consensus of the righteous predecessors.

The Qur’an is the first and most important source of Aqeedah. Allah warns against opposing the Messenger ﷺ and abandoning the path of the believers:

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers – We will turn him to what he has chosen and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination.”(Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa 4:115)👉 quran.com/4/115

The authentic Sunnah explains and completes the Qur’an. Al-‘Irbad ibn Sariyah رضي الله عنه reported:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) delivered a moving speech… and said: ‘I urge you to adhere to my Sunnah and the path of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, and cling to it firmly.’”(Sunan Ibn Majah 43, Book 1, Hadith 43) – Grade: Sahih👉 sunnah.com/ibnmajah:43

The Ummah will never unite upon falsehood. Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“My nation will not unite on misguidance, so if you see them differing, follow the great majority.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3950, Book 36, Hadith 25) – Grade: Hasan👉 sunnah.com/ibnmajah:3950

The Prophet ﷺ praised the first generations of Muslims as the best models for belief and practice.
Imran ibn Husain رضي الله عنه narrated:

“The best of my followers are those living in my generation, then those who will follow them, then those who will follow them…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3650, Book 62, Hadith 2) – Grade: Sahih👉 sunnah.com/bukhari:3650

Thus, the companions and their followers preserved Aqeedah in its pure form.

The Prophet ﷺ promised that a group from this Ummah will always remain upon the truth until the Day of Judgment.
Jabir ibn Abdullah رضي الله عنه reported:

“A group of people from my Ummah will continue to fight in defense of truth and remain triumphant until the Day of Judgment.”
(Sahih Muslim 1923, Book 33, Hadith 80) – Grade: Sahih👉 sunnah.com/muslim:1923

This is the saved sect (al-Firqah al-Najiyah) and Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamaʿah.

Islam also teaches that sound intellect does not contradict authentic revelation. The Prophet ﷺ explained the natural disposition of mankind:
Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Every child is born upon the natural disposition (fitrah). It is his parents who make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1358, Book 23, Hadith 114) – Grade: Sahih👉 sunnah.com/bukhari:1358

This fitrah (pure nature), guided by Qur’an and Sunnah, forms the foundation of true Aqeedah.

The creed of Islam is rooted in three foundations: the Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah, and the consensus of the righteous predecessors. The Prophet ﷺ left us upon a clear path, whose night is as bright as its day. By following these sources, we ensure our belief remains pure, protected from misguidance, and aligned with the truth.

Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

The Rights of the Prophet ﷺ | 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.

Alhamdulillah, we continue our journey in Islamic education by discussing the rights of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Loving the Prophet, following him sincerely, and avoiding extremism in his regard are among the greatest obligations of every believer. These rights are rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, guiding us to balance love with correct belief and practice.

The Prophet ﷺ holds the highest status a human being can attain—servitude to Allah ﷻ and prophethood. Allah ﷻ says:

“Say, [O Muhammad], I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God.”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Kahf 18:110 — Quran.com/18/110)

While we must love the Prophet ﷺ more than ourselves, parents, and children, we are forbidden from exaggerating his status by attributing divine qualities to him. The Prophet ﷺ warned:

“Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians praised the son of Mary, for I am only a slave. So call me the slave of Allah and His Messenger.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3445 — Sunnah.com/bukhari:3445)

Thus, claiming that the Prophet ﷺ was created from light, that he had no human qualities like shade, or that all creation was made for him, contradicts the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.

True love for the Prophet ﷺ means obedience. Allah ﷻ says:

“He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah.”
(Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa 4:80 — Quran.com/4/80)

Innovations such as celebrating the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid) or swearing by his name were never practiced by the early generations. Instead, the Prophet ﷺ commanded:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2697 — Sunnah.com/bukhari:2697)

Therefore, the correct way to honor him is to follow his Sunnah inwardly and outwardly, avoiding additions to the religion.

Among the Prophet’s rights is love for his family and respect for his companions. He ﷺ said:

“I remind you by Allah concerning my family.”
(Sahih Muslim 2408 — Sunnah.com/muslim:2408)

Regarding his companions, he ﷺ warned:

“Do not abuse my companions, for if one of you were to spend gold equal to Uhud, it would not equal a handful or even half of what they gave.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3673 — Sunnah.com/bukhari:3673)

Loving and defending them is part of loving the Prophet ﷺ.

The rights of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ include love, obedience, following his Sunnah, avoiding extremism, respecting his family, and honoring his companions. True love is shown through adherence to revelation, not by exaggeration or innovation.

Allah ﷻ says:

“Say, [O Muhammad], if you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.”
(Qur’an, Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:31 — Quran.com/3/31)

Following the Prophet ﷺ sincerely is the path to Allah’s mercy, guidance, and Paradise.