Ṭahārah means purification. Before we perform Ṣolāt and certain other acts of worship, we need to make sure that our body, clothing and place of prayer are clean and free from impurities.
One of the most important things we use for purification is water. But not every type of water can be used. Sacred Law teaches us which water is suitable for purification and which is not.
2.1Mutlaq Water
The water we use for purification is called mutlaq water. This is water that remains in its natural state and has not changed into something else.
Examples include rainwater, seawater, river water, well water, spring water, dew and snow.
2.2Water That Cannot Be Used for Purification
Not every type of water can be used for purification. The following types cannot be used to perform wuḍū`, the ritual bath or to remove impurities:
- Mutanajjis: water that has become impure. A small amount of water becomes impure when an impurity falls into it even if its taste, colour and smell do not change. A large amount becomes impure when the impurity changes its taste, colour or smell.
- Mustaʿmal: water that has already been used for an obligatory purification, such as wuḍū` or the ritual bath (mandi ḥadaṡ).
- Mutaghayyir: water that has changed because it has been mixed with something that prevents it from simply being called water, such as tea or syrup.
2.3Amount of Water
The ruling of water can differ depending on how much water there is.
- Less than two qullahs (kolah): considered a small amount of water. If an impurity falls into it, the water becomes impure even if its taste, colour and smell do not change.
- Two qullahs or more: considered a large amount of water. It does not become impure simply because an impurity falls into it. It becomes impure when the impurity changes its taste, colour or smell.
- Approximate measure: two qullahs are approximately 216 litres.
2.4Istinjā`
Istinjā` means cleaning the private parts after urinating or passing stool. It is done to remove any impurity that remains after using the toilet.
How to perform istinjā`:
- Use mutlaq water to wash the private parts and remove the impurity.
- Use the left hand when cleaning.
- Wash carefully so that the impurity does not spread or splash onto the body or clothing.
- Continue washing until the impurity has been properly removed.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after completing istinjā`.
2.5Istibrā`
Istibrā` is the process of making sure that no urine remains after urinating. Sometimes, even after a person has finished urinating, a small amount of urine may still remain. Istibrā` helps to clear these remaining drops before performing istinjā`.
A simple way to perform istibrā` is:
- Remain seated after urinating.
- Wait for a short moment and do not rush to clean immediately.
- Give a gentle cough from the stomach.
- A few drops of urine may come out after coughing. This is normal.
- Wait until you are reasonably sure that no more urine will come out.
- Then perform istinjā` and wash yourself properly.
Istibrā` helps prevent remaining drops of urine from coming out after a person has cleaned themselves or performed wuḍū`.
2.6Manners of Using the Toilet
Islam teaches us proper manners even in private moments such as using the toilet. These manners help us protect our cleanliness and dignity.
- Recite the du'ā` before entering the toilet.
- Enter with the left foot.
- Wear appropriate footwear and keep it on while inside.
- Avoid speaking unless necessary.
- Take care that your clothes do not touch impurities or dirty areas, including the toilet floor.
- Avoid urinating while standing. Sitting or squatting is preferable when possible.
- Avoid unnecessary splashing, which can spread najis.
- Do not waste water.
- Do not face the qiblah or turn your back directly towards it.
- Do not remain in the toilet longer than necessary.
- Perform istibrā` when needed.
- Perform istinjā` properly after relieving yourself.
- Wash your hands and legs properly afterwards.
- Exit with the right foot.
- Recite the du'ā` after leaving the toilet.