Islamic Teachings Advise Against Using Right Hand for Cleansing After Defecation

Islamic tradition strongly advises against using the right hand for personal cleansing after using the toilet, a practice rooted in hygiene and respect. Syekh Muhammad Shiddiq al Minsyawi, in his book 'Rajin Shalat tapi Masih Keliru' (Diligent in Prayer but Still Mistaken), highlights that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly forbade using the right hand for istinja, or cleansing the private parts after defecation.

The prohibition stems from the desire to keep the dominant hand, often used for eating and other honorable tasks, free from contamination. This guidance is supported by a hadith narrated by Salman, who stated that the Prophet instructed Muslims not to face the qibla (direction of prayer) while defecating or urinating, not to use their right hands for cleansing, and to use at least three stones for purification.

Scholarly interpretations of this prohibition vary. Imam Nawawi, a renowned Islamic scholar, noted that this is considered a matter of etiquette (adab) among Muslims. The majority of Islamic jurists agree that while it is highly discouraged, the act is not strictly forbidden (haram). However, a minority of scholars, particularly among the Zahiri school of thought, have argued for its prohibition, viewing the command as a strict injunction.