I would like to know the reason we are asking Allah for forgiveness by saying ‘غفرانك’ (O Allah! forgive me) after using the toilet since we did not commit any sin by relieving ourselves.
Answer
The Muhaddithun have offered the following explanations:
1) Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was constantly in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala. While relieving himself, he was not in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala for obvious reasons. Thus upon exiting, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sought Allah’s forgiveness for not remembering him in that span of time.
2) Man is not able to thank Allah enough for this bounty of digesting the food and then being able to relieve ones self. Since we are falling short in thanking Allah for this bounty one should seek forgiveness.
(Refer: Mirqat, vol. 2 pg. 69, Tuhfatul Ahwadhi, vol. 1 pg. 43 and Badhlul Majhud, vol. 1 pg. 266)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar