Can we pray behind the Imam who uses tissue paper regularly after feces (human feces) or urination because I am presently in China and find no water in the lavatory of Masjid. People use tissue paper which is the general practice here. Is it ok?
Answer
(Fatwa: 1882/1124/D=1432)
It is right to do istinja with tissue paper; because this paper is not used in writing etc rather it is made for the purpose of istinja etc.
ويسن أن يستنجي بحجر منق … ونحوه من كل طاهر مزيل بلا ضرر (مراقي الفلاح 45).
However, if the impurity spreads out to an area of more than one dirham then using water shall be wajib.
وإن تجاوز المخرج وكان المتجاوز قدر الدرهم لا يسمى استنجاء ووجب ازالته بالماء أو المائع ، لأنه من باب إزالة النجاسة (مراقي الفلاح : 44)
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband