Islamic Guidance: Why Speaking While Defecating is Discouraged

Islamic teachings emphasize maintaining a state of reverence and focus during acts of worship and personal hygiene. According to Syekh Muhammad Shiddiq Al Minsyawi's book, "Rajin Shalat tapi Masih Keliru" (Diligent in Prayer but Still Mistaken), speaking while defecating is strongly discouraged.

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It is not appropriate for him to converse.

This prohibition extends to all forms of speech, including the recitation of the Quran, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), or even responding to greetings and the call to prayer (adhan). The primary basis for this ruling is a hadith narrated by Ibn Umar, which states that a man greeted Prophet Muhammad while he was urinating, but the Prophet did not respond.

Scholars have interpreted this hadith to mean that it is makruh (disliked) to engage in dhikr or other forms of speech while in a state of defecation. Imam Asy Syaukani noted that this applies even to obligatory acts like returning a greeting. Imam Ahmad stated that it is "unseemly" to converse during such times, and Imam Bagawi, quoting his teacher, advised that verbal dhikr is not permissible, suggesting that praise of Allah should be done internally if one sneezes.

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It is not permissible to remember Allah with the tongue for one who is defecating. If he sneezes, he praises Allah in his heart.

However, exceptions are made for urgent necessities. Syekh Shiddiq clarified that speaking is permissible if there is a pressing need or a requirement to do so, such as guiding a blind person away from danger. Imam An Nawawi echoed this, stating that it is disliked to speak before leaving the toilet unless necessary, and if one sneezes, they should praise Allah silently without moving their lips.

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It is disliked to remember Allah or speak before leaving the toilet, unless there is a need. If he sneezes, he praises Allah in his heart without moving his tongue.