Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Assalamu alaykum,
I know it was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), covering his head in the toilet. Is there a hadith to support this?
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
Yes, it is a recommended sunna to cover your head when going to the bathroom.
There is a tradition from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), and it is also authentically reported as the practice of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him).
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to wear slippers and cover his head when entering the toilet. [Bayhaqi, Sunan al-Kubra] [see: Covering One’s Head in the Washroom]
Nawawi commented that the like of these hadiths can be acted upon for virtuous actions. And the commentator, `Abd al-Ra’uf al-Munawi, notes that this would be an expression of shyness and modesty before one’s Lord.
And Allah alone gives success.
wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani