Islamic Toilet Etiquette: Toilet etiquettes refer to a series of hygienic rules and standards established for the purpose of going to the toilet. Since, in Islam, there is a special emphasis on purity and cleanliness, toilet etiquettes hold special significance.
In fact, cleanliness is equated to completing half of an individual’s faith.
What are the Toilet Manners for Muslims?
The Quran mentions the topic only briefly, for example in the verse on wudu (5:6), which refers to one who has come from relieving himself, and in verses praising those who purify themselves (2:222, 9:108). Hence, most information on Islamic toilet etiquettes is directly obtained from the hadith and Sunnah’s of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
19 – Visit The Toilet Only When Necessary
Muslims are guided to access the toilet area when it is biologically necessary. Meaning, one should not linger there, as the Prophet (PBUH) said that these places are frequented by devils (Sunan Abi Dawud, graded sahih by many scholars), which is why we seek refuge in Allah before entering.
18 – Do Not Carry Anything with The Name of Allah
Scholars say it is disliked (and according to many, not allowed for a Quran copy) to take items bearing the name of Allah or Quranic verses into the toilet, such as a mushaf or a book of tafsir. If it cannot be removed, such as a name on a ring or a phone, or you fear losing it, keep it covered or in a pocket.
17 – Enter The Toilet with The Left Foot First
Moving forward, Muslims are asked to enter the toilet area with their left foot first. Before entering, you must read the dua that is for entering the toilet too.
16 – Exit The Toilet with The Right Foot
The followers of Allah are guided to leave the toilet with their right foot since they are leaving a dirty place, and with that – the Muslims are also advised to read the dua for exiting the toilet.
15 – Stay Silent While in The Toilet
Muslims are further guided to avoid speaking and remembrance aloud in the toilet, as the Prophet (PBUH) did not return a greeting while relieving himself (Sahih Muslim). Scholars consider unnecessary talking disliked, and speaking is fine when truly needed, for example to call for help.
14 – Avoid Eating While in The Toilet
Moving forward, Muslims are also strictly asked to avoid eating while they are in the toilet. As the area is dirty and it can be hazardous for the health too.
13 – Practice Istinja and Shattaf In The Toilet
Istinja refers to the practice of cleaning yourself after visiting the toilet. Cleaning after relieving oneself is required to remove impurity. The schools differ slightly: the Shafi’i, Maliki and Hanbali schools treat istinja as obligatory, while the Hanafis consider it a strongly emphasised Sunnah unless the impurity spreads beyond a certain extent, in which case washing is required. Water is the best means, and a water spray or bidet (shattaf) is a modern, perfectly valid way to do it.
12 – Cover Private Parts After Cleaning
In order to keep modesty into account, Muslims are guided to cover their private parts after cleaning themselves through Istinja or shattaf. This factor will preserve the modesty and purity of individuals, and prevent them from becoming a victim to sinful eyes
11 – Recite Prayer Before Entering the Toilet
Muslims are guided to read the following prayer before entering the toilet: “Allahumma innee a’oodhu bika minal khubthi wal khabaa-ith.” Start with “Bismillah” and then this dua (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim): it seeks Allah’s protection from male and female devils.
10 – Recite Prayer After Exiting the Toilet
Muslims are guided to read the following prayer after exiting the toilet: “Alhamdu-lil-laa-hil-la-dhi adh-haba’anil a-dhaa wa ‘a-faa-ni”. The most authentic dua on leaving is simply “Ghufranaka” (I seek Your forgiveness), narrated in Sunan Abi Dawud, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah. The dua above is narrated in Ibn Majah with a weaker chain, so the first is preferred.
9 – Avoid Facing the Qibla And Turning Your Back On It
The Prophet (PBUH) forbade facing the Qibla or turning one’s back to it when relieving oneself in the open (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Scholars differ on enclosed toilets: the Hanafis consider facing or turning the back to the Qibla disliked even indoors, while the Shafi’i, Maliki and most Hanbali scholars allow it inside buildings, based on a report that Ibn Umar saw the Prophet (PBUH) facing Sham with his back to the Kaaba. It is best to avoid it wherever possible.
8 – Use Fingers and Water For Cleaning
Muslims should clean themselves with the left hand and should not touch the private parts or clean with the right hand (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Water is best, and it can be combined with tissue or stones, using them first.
7 – Clean Thoroughly
Clean until the impurity is removed, taking care that it does not spread. Wiping or washing from front to back is advised for hygiene, particularly for women.
6 – Use Cloth or Toilet Paper for Cleaning
After cleaning, one may dry with a clean cloth or tissue. Tissue paper is a valid means of cleaning, but one should avoid paper bearing the name of Allah, verses or religious writing, and food items, bones and dung (Sahih Muslim).
5 – Practice Istibra
After visiting the toilet, Muslims are guided to make sure urination has finished before cleaning, so that no urine drops remain (Istibra). The Prophet (PBUH) warned about not protecting oneself from urine (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Scholars mention methods such as waiting briefly, walking or gently clearing the passage, and they differ on details, but all warn against obsessive doubts. Do only what is needed to be sure.
4 – Avoid Urinating While Standing
It is better to urinate sitting, as this protects against splashes of urine. It is reported that the Prophet (PBUH) once urinated standing (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim), so scholars say standing is permissible if one is sure to be safe from splashes, though the Hanafis consider it disliked without an excuse.
3 – Wash Hands After Visiting the Toilet
Individuals are guided to wash their hands after using the toilet. In this manner, any impurities are removed from the hands, and the person becomes pure. It has links with one’s health too, as cleanliness is a bystander for one’s health too.
2 – Avoid Urinating in Water, Cemetery, Road, Or the Wall Of A Mosque
The Prophet (PBUH) warned against relieving oneself in the shade people use, on paths where people walk, and in standing water, as these harm others (Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abi Dawud). Mosques must be kept clean and pure, and graveyards should be respected. Water that people drink from must especially be protected from contamination.
1 – Using Stones Is Acceptable for Cleaning Private Parts
Islam also allows cleaning with stones or similar clean, pure objects (istijmar), including tissue, when water is not available. The Prophet (PBUH) said to use at least three wipes (Sahih Muslim) and to avoid bones and dung (Sahih Muslim). Scholars generally say this suffices if it fully removes the impurity, though using water, alone or after wiping, is better. Read our related posts on how to perform wudu and ghusl in Islam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dua for entering the toilet?
“Bismillah. Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal khubthi wal khaba’ith” (In the name of Allah. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from male and female devils), reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. It is said before entering, or at the start of undressing in an open place.
What is the dua after leaving the toilet?
“Ghufranaka” (I seek Your forgiveness), narrated in Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah. Many also say “Alhamdu lillahilladhi adhhaba ‘annil adha wa ‘afani”, though the chain is weaker.
Is istinja obligatory?
Scholars agree that impurity must be removed. The Shafi’i, Maliki and Hanbali schools consider istinja required, while the Hanafis treat it as a strong Sunnah in many cases. Ask a qualified scholar for your specific situation.
Can I use my phone or read in the toilet?
Many scholars say it is better to avoid it, and it is not permitted to take a Quran copy in. Phones containing the Quran or religious apps are treated leniently by many scholars, since the content is not visible. Avoid reading or dhikr aloud there.
Where can I learn more about purification?
See our posts on wudu and the sunnahs of eating and drinking.