The Prophet’s Manners and Sunnah When Entering the Bathroom (Toilet) in Islam
In Islam, the bathroom or toilet is not only a place to clean oneself, but also a place where manners must be maintained according to the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ. The following are the manners and sunnah that are recommended when entering and being in the bathroom:
1. Reading a Prayer Before Entering
Before entering the bathroom, the Prophet ﷺ taught a prayer to avoid being disturbed by Satan:
“Allahumma inni a’udzu bika minal khubutsi wal khaba’its.” (Meaning: O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the disturbance of male and female devils.) (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
2. Entering with the Left Foot and Exiting with the Right Foot
The sunnah taught by the Prophet ﷺ is to enter the bathroom by putting the left foot first and exiting with the right foot. This is part of the etiquette in Islam that distinguishes between clean and dirty activities.
3. Do not bring or read the Qur’an
In the bathroom, it is better not to bring or read verses of the Qur’an, either in the form of a mushaf or written on clothes or other items.
4. Do not speak or mention the name of Allah
The Prophet ﷺ forbade speaking or mentioning the name of Allah while in the bathroom. This aims to maintain the honor of the holy place.
5. Close the door or curtain
It is recommended to close the door or curtain when in the bathroom so that it is not seen by others, in accordance with the principle of maintaining the aurat in Islam.
6. Do not face or turn your back to the Qibla
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When one of you wants to relieve himself, he should not face or turn his back to the Qibla.” (Narrated by Muslim)
If possible, it is better not to sit directly facing the Qibla when relieving himself.
7. Use your left hand when cleaning yourself
The Prophet ﷺ taught us to use our left hand when cleaning ourselves after defecating, and to use our right hand for cleaner activities such as eating and drinking.
8. Save water usage
Islam teaches not to use too much water when purifying, because excessive use of water is an act that Allah does not like.
9. Exit Immediately After Finishing
The bathroom is a place inhabited by jinns and demons, so it is best not to linger in it for no apparent reason.
10. Read the prayer leaving the bathroom
After leaving the bathroom, Rasulullah ﷺ taught us to recite the prayer:
“Ghufraanaka.” (Meaning: I ask for Your forgiveness, O Allah.) (HR. Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi)
Conclusion
Following the Prophet’s adab and sunnah when entering and leaving the bathroom is part of the perfection of Islam which teaches cleanliness and modesty in every aspect of life. By practicing this sunnah, we not only maintain physical cleanliness but also gain blessings in our daily lives.
