What is the correct method and sequence of istinja and istibra according to sunnah?

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

Ibn Abbas (RadiyAllahu Ta’ala Anhu) narrates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) came upon two graves and said: “Their occupants are being punished, but not for a great sin (in their own view). However, it is in fact a great sin. One of them went about spreading slander. The other did not clean himself properly after urination…” (Bukhari and Muslim)

It is compulsory to do Istibra’ after urinating. Istibra’ is to ensure that the traces of urine has come out completely. Some examples of Istibra’: one should shake, sway or squeeze the penis very gently, coughing, taking few steps, jogging, lying on the left side etc, there is no restrictions in Istibra’, one may do Istibra’ in any way one is used to.

It will not be permissible to begin Wudhu without doing Istibra’.

(Quduri Pg.25, Nurul Idhah Pg.27, Hashiat Tahtawi Pg.42, Al Fiqhul Hanafi Wa Adillatuh Vol.1 Pg.38)

In Quduri, it is mentioned:

1) Istinja is Sunnah.

Narrated Anas bin Malik (RadhiyAllahu Anhu):

Whenever the Prophet went to answer the call of nature, I used to bring water with which he used to clean his private parts. (Bukhari, Book of Ablution)

2) Stones, and that which take their place (i.e. tissue etc,), suffice; one wipes [the area] until it is clean.

3) Washing it with water is better.

4) If the filth exceeds its orifice, nothing but water may be used [to remove it].

5) One should not perform istinja’ with a bone, nor with dung, nor with food, nor with the right hand.

Narrated Abu Huraira (RadhiyAllahu Anhu):

I followed the Prophet while he was going out to answer the call of nature. He used not to look this way or that. So, when I approached near him he said to me, “Fetch for me some stones for ‘ cleaning the privates parts (or said something similar), and do not bring a bone or a piece of dung.” So I brought the stones in the corner of my garment and placed them by his side and I then went away from him. When he finished (from answering the call of nature) he used, them. (Bukhari, Book of Ablution)

The Method of performing Istinja’:

If one’s testicles are hanging one should wipe with the first stone from the front to the back and with the second from the back to the front and with the third from the front to the back [for fear of defiling one’s testicles]. If the testicles are not hanging, then one should start from the back. A female should start from the front to the back for the fear of defiling her vagina.

Thereafter, one should wash the hand and using water wipe the soiled area with the inner side of one, two, or even three fingers if needed. A male will raise his middle finger over the rest when commencing the Istinja’ [then after washing slightly] he will raise the ring finger [and if need be then the small finger and then the index finger]. One should not suffice upon the use of one finger. A female should raise her ring and middle finger simultaneously from the outset for fear of being sexually aroused.

The utmost should be done in cleansing oneself until the foul smell has been eliminated, whilst thoroughly relaxing one’s buttocks [so as to clean what is in the passage to the best of one’s ability], unless fasting. Upon completion one should wash the hand again. If fasting one should wipe (with tissue etc,) oneself before standing. (Nurul Idhah Pg.28)

The Adaab (ettiquettes) of relieving oneself:

(1) One should enter the toilet leading with the left foot;

(2) before entering seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Shaitan.

Narrated Anas (RadhiyAllahu Anhu):

Whenever the Prophet went to answer the call of nature, he used to say, “Allah-umma inni a’udhu bika minal khubuthi wal khaba’ith i.e. O Allah, I seek Refuge with You from all offensive and wicked things (evil deeds and evil spirits).” (Bukhari, Book of Ablution)

[Whilst in the open one should recite the supplication before uncovering oneself, I`la al-sunan 1/451];

(3) one should sit leaning upon the left foot;

(4) and not speak, except out of necessity.

It is Makruh Tahrimi (whilst relieving oneself) to have one’s face or back towards the Qibla, even though one is in a building.

Narrated Abu Aiyub Al-Ansari (RadhiyAllahu Anhu):

Allah’s Apostle said, “If anyone of you goes to an open space for answering the call of nature he should neither face nor turn his back towards the Qibla; he should either face the east or the west.” (Bukhari, Book of Ablution)

To urinate towards the sun or moon is Makruh [being two great signs (Ayats) of Allah. However, this act is considered Makruh Tanzihi rather than Makruh Tahrimi according to Ibn Abidin].

It is Makruh to sit and urinate in the direction of the wind. [The reason for this is that the wind may blow the urine back to the person, thus causing his clothes to be soiled and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) warned against this in a number of Ahadith].

It is also Makruh:

(1) To urinate or defecate in water;

(2) under some shade; in a hole; on the path;

(3) under a fruit tree;

(4) or urinate standing without an excuse.

[It is Makruh to enter the toilet wearing anything with the name of Allah, Abu Da’ud and Tirmidhi have related upon the authority of Anas (RadhiyAllahu Anhu) that he said, “When the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would enter the lavatory he would remove his ring, “because engraved upon it was ‘Muhammad the Messenger of Allah.'”

Ibn Hajr has stated, “that it can be derived from this that it is mustahab to remove anything which has a revered name upon it from the Names of Allah, the Prophets or Angels.” Not to remove it would be deemed Makruh due to disrespect].

Finally, the last ettiquette one should leave the lavatory with one’s right foot then recite, “Ghufaranak Alhamdulilla hilladhi Adhhaba `Annil Adha Wa`Afani” [O Lord] Your forgiveness. Praise be to Allah who rid me of the filth and gave me health.

(Nurul Idhah Pg.27-30, Hasiat Tahtawi Ala maraqil Falah Pg.42-56)

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK