Urination and defecation are natural and undeniable human needs. This is something from which no one is exempt. When the need arises, people feel relieved by fulfilling it. Islam teaches about every aspect of human life and provides guidance on every matter, including the natural acts of urination and defecation. Islamic literature, including Hadith collections, contains extensive discussions and dedicated chapters on the etiquettes of these acts.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “I am like a father to you. I teach you in all matters. When responding to the call of nature, neither face the Qibla nor turn your back to it. Do not use the right hand for cleaning.” He advised using three stones and forbade the use of dung or bones (Abu Dawood, Hadith: 7).
Naturally, people choose hidden and private places for urination and defecation. This guidance is also provided in Hadith. Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he was with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) one day when he felt the need to urinate. The Prophet then went to a spot under a wall with soft mud and urinated there. Afterward, he said, “When any of you wishes to urinate, let him seek a low place with soft soil” (Al-Jami’us Saghir 319, Mishkat 345).
Facing or turning your back to the Qibla while urinating or defecating is prohibited in Shariah. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إِذَا أَتَيْتُمُ الْغَائِطَ فَلَا تَسْتَقْبِلُوا الْقِبْلَةَ بِغَائِطٍ وَلَا بَوْلٍ، وَلَا تَسْتَدْبِرُوهَا
“When you go to defecate, do not face the Qibla nor turn your back towards it either when defecating or urinating.” (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 8)
