Islamic Manners of Going to the Bathroom

1. It is recommended that a person, when entering the bathroom, places the left foot first and say:

Bismillah, allahumma inni audhi bika minal khubthi wal khabaith, which means: In the name of Allah. O Allah! I seek refuge in You from male and female noxious beings (devils). (Related by Al-Thirmithi, Abu Dawud, and others).

2. When leaving the bathroom, it is recommended that the person come out with the right foot first and say:

Ghufranaka, alhamdu lillah-il-ladhi adhhaba ann-il-adha wa afani, which means: I seek Your forgiveness. Praise be to Allah Who made the filth leave me and Who has given me health.

3. It is recommended that one conceals himself from the view of others when relieving himself.

4. To avoid impurities from reaching him, a person should select a soft spot if relieving himself in the open - usually in rural areas. Also, in modern toilets, one must avoid defiling his body or clothing with the excretions especially urine.

5. It is discouraged to enter the bathroom with anything that has the name of Allah on it. However, it may be done out of necessity if there is fear of losing it or having it stolen.

6. It is not proper to speak while in the bathroom.

7. It is not proper to touch the private parts with the right hand or perform istinja or istijmar with it.

8. It is forbidden to face or turn ones back towards the qiblah (the direction of the Kabah in Makkah which Muslims face during prayer), if relieving oneself in the open. However, it is permissible inside buildings.

9. It is forbidden to urinate or pass out faeces in shaded areas that people benefit from; on public pathways; or under fruit-bearing trees.

10. It is better for men to urinate sitting, even though it is permissible for them to do so standing if they can prevent drops of urine from reaching their body and clothing.

11. If a clothing is defiled with impurities, the spot must be washed. However, if the specific spot cannot be located, the entire garment should be washed.