Islam prohibits urinating in bathwater, stagnant pools

Islam strictly advises against urinating in bathwater or any standing water, a practice highlighted by Sheikh Muhammad Shiddiq Al Minsyawi in his book "Rajin Shalat tapi Keliru" (Praying Diligently but Wrongly).

According to Al Minsyawi, this is a common mistake. Urinating in a bathtub or similar contained water is particularly dangerous due to the water's immobility. Islamic tradition supports this prohibition through several hadiths. One narrated by Abu Hurairah from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) states, "Do not let any of you urinate in standing water and then bathe in it."

Further reinforcing this, a hadith from Jabir RA indicates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prohibited urinating in stagnant water. Scholars have interpreted the severity of this prohibition differently. Imam Al Khattabi noted that it is forbidden if the area is not hard, dry, or lacks drainage, or if the water is stagnant, as it can cause harm. Imam Nawawi's view, adopted by his school of thought, suggests it is makruh (discouraged) for large volumes of stagnant water but haram (forbidden) for small volumes, a distinction supported by many scholars.