Islamic toilet etiquette

The Islamic faith has particular rules regarding personal hygiene when going to the toilet. This code is known as Qadaahul Haajah.

Issues of laterality, 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. 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.

Examples of these rules include, but are not limited to:

• It is strongly forbidden to make the toilet close to the flowing waters, or to be by a flowing water whilst relieving yourself.
• It is more preferable to step into the toilet with left leg and step outside the toilet with right leg.
• One should remain silent whilst on the toilet. Talking, answering greetings or greeting others is forbidden.
• One should not face nor turn your back on Qibla whilst relieving yourself.
• When leaving the toilet one should also say a prayer, "Praise be to Allah who relieved me of the filth and gave me relief."
• One should use an odd number of stones to clean 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 thought acceptable, but washing with water is still needed for purity.