Etiquette for Using Restrooms

The Importance of Reciting Supplications When Using Restrooms

The consensus among scholars underscores the significance of seeking refuge in Allah when entering and exiting restrooms. This practice is highly recommended as it protects individuals from the presence of devils in places of impurity and exposure. By turning to Allah for protection, one seeks safety from harm. As stated by Zaid ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “These places are attended by devils, so when one of you enters the restroom, let him say: ‘I seek refuge with Allah from the male and female devils.'” (The term “places” refers to restrooms).

It is also recommended for Muslims to recite the supplication after completing their needs in the restroom, as narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): “When the Prophet (peace be upon him) would exit the restroom, he would say: ‘O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness.'” This indicates the importance of seeking forgiveness, for it is said that Allah has blessed His servants with food and drink, and then provided relief after fulfilling their needs. Therefore, the servant seeks forgiveness for any shortcomings in gratitude towards Allah’s countless blessings.

Entering with the Left Foot and Exiting with the Right

The practice of entering a restroom with the left foot and exiting with the right is preferred due to the principle that actions associated with honor, such as ablution and bathing, should begin with the right side. Conversely, actions deemed less honorable, such as using the restroom, begin with the left. This guideline is supported by numerous hadiths reported in the authentic collections. Among them, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) stated: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) liked to start on the right in all matters concerning purity, grooming, and putting on sandals.”

Maintaining Cleanliness Before Use

The toilet seat is known to be a breeding ground for germs and filth, which can easily transfer to the hands and surfaces during use. Therefore, it is crucial to routinely clean the toilet seat to prevent the accumulation of dirt and germs while also conserving water when using restrooms. The following steps are recommended:

Rinse the toilet seat with water after each use.
Wear gloves when cleaning.
Fill a bucket with water, add an adequate amount of soap, and mix well.
Dip a paper towel into the soap solution, squeeze out excess water, and wipe the entire toilet seat, paying extra attention to the sides, as this area is particularly prone to staining and dirt accumulation.
Dry the seat with a paper towel.
If using wet wipes to clean the seat, ensure it is thoroughly dried and covered with a paper towel, especially in public restrooms.

Ensuring Privacy When Relieving Oneself

Privacy entails keeping oneself out of sight from others, utilizing walls, mounds of sand, or other barriers to shield the body from view and to ensure no sounds or odors escape. Abdullah ibn Ja’far (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “One day, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) took me behind him and whispered something that I would never disclose to anyone. He favored what concealed him while attending to his needs—such as a wall or a cluster of palm trees.”

Washing Hands with Soap and Water

Washing hands with soap and water is vital in reducing the risk of germs and preventing illnesses, while also curbing the spread of viruses and bacteria among individuals within the community. The correct method for handwashing is summarized as follows:

Wash hands under clean running water, whether cold or warm.
Apply a small amount of soap to your hands.
Rub the hands thoroughly, including between the fingers, under the nails, and the front and back of the hands, for a duration of 20 seconds.
Rinse hands thoroughly under clean water to remove all soap.
Dry hands with a clean towel or allow them to air dry.

Maintaining Restroom Hygiene

Restrooms harbor germs and bacteria that can affect health if hygiene is not diligently observed. Therefore, it is essential to follow proper cleaning protocols to ensure restrooms remain clean from dirt and germs that can cause illness. Key points include:

Clean the toilet seat with water and paper towels after each use to prevent residue that attracts germs and causes unpleasant odors.
Wipe down surfaces frequently contacted during restroom use, such as faucets, doorknobs, and the toilet seat.
Promptly clean up any stool or vomit and disinfect the affected area.
Clean the bathtub and shower after each use with fresh water to avoid the buildup of grime and soap scum.
Store personal hygiene items in closed containers to avoid germ accumulation, such as razors and toothbrushes, and clean them after each use.
Ensure proper ventilation in the restroom to prevent humidity and mold growth.
Regularly wash and replace towels.
Avoid placing rugs in the restroom; opt for solid surfaces like tiles or vinyl that are healthier and easier to clean.
Always wash hands thoroughly before exiting the restroom.
It is important from an etiquette perspective to avoid littering with paper towels on the floor, as they should be disposed of in waste bins. This is a fundamental rule for maintaining cleanliness in both private and public restrooms.

Avoiding Conversations Inside Restrooms

Speaking in restrooms, particularly about matters involving the name of Allah, is inappropriate, given that these areas are considered impure. To honor the sanctity of Allah’s name, it is crucial to avoid any discussions in such places. Furthermore, engaging in mundane conversations can disrupt proper restroom etiquette, as it may lead to awkward noises during phone calls, causing embarrassment to the speaker and discomfort to others.

Respecting Privacy in Restrooms

While restrooms may appear straightforward, there are certain conditions that must be observed during their construction:

Restrooms should be equipped with doors and locks.
They should be located in safe and accessible areas.
Separate facilities for men and women must be designated to uphold privacy.
Consideration for the needs of individuals with disabilities should be taken into account in the design and allocation of restroom facilities.

Emphasizing the practice of reciting appropriate supplications when entering and exiting restrooms reinforces a sense of protection from negative influences while acknowledging the countless blessings bestowed by Allah. Regular cleaning and proper handwashing contribute significantly to creating a hygienic environment, fostering community health, and respecting the privacy of others. Adhering to these fundamental practices is essential in ensuring a respectful and clean experience in restrooms.