Q:

Assalamualaikum,

At times I have to use the restroom at work and am aware as Muslims it is not permissible to stand while urinating without a valid excuse. Also as we are aware that the places of relieving oneself in our American society are filthy especially the mens’ restrooms due to men urinating all over, not only the seat but as well as the floor etc etc.  The question is in this situation what do we as Muslims do when we have to relieve ourselves in such facilities? I do not like to stand and relieve myself but in most cases if I try to sit and relieve myself then my clothes may come in contact with the urine on the floor thus making my salah invalid. Take note I do not wear my trousers below my ankles, I have exhausted trying to locate a private restroom, such as one the administration at my workplace uses that may be kept clean and would suffice for me to relieve myself and In most cases I do not use the restroom unless my bladder is absolutely going to burst.  Then I usually am forced to
stand and relieve myself and sometimes I don’t know if my clothes have had urine slash on to my clothes because if one stands you see the urine splash because the pressure of relieving oneself but I feel ashamed to do this because it is against the etiquette’s of relieving oneself in Islam.  What to do? Would I still be held accountable for this in the sight of Allah SWT?  Should I repeat my salah upon returning home?  I do know that many Muslim males are undergoing the same challenge.  Please advise

Thanks,
Allah Hafiz

Time: Tuesday May 18, 2010 at 3:52 am

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We appreciate your question and concern to do the right thing. Such concern is a gift from the Creator. There are multiple points you have to deal with:
To stand and urinate without reason is not permissible. Sayiditinah Aysha (RadiAllaahu anha) makes this very clear. Lack of care in maintaining cleanliness as per urine drops would resort in punishment in the grave, as per hadith. If the area of urination remains filthy, then to create more impurities upon the body would result in a greater wrong. When the area is filthy (najis), e.g.: ground, toilet bowl etc. then in such a situation one can stand and urinate, provided that once a person would later cleanse both their clothing and body – should both be soiled.

If a person could stand and not have urine come upon the body and clothing, this would be against the sunnah as narrated by Sayiditinah Aysha (RadiAllaahu anha). Should a person not have a choice but to stand — based on the floor, toilet being impure (najis) etc. then it would be reluctantly allowed — for the alternative would be more reprehensible.

To ‘wait till your bladder is about to burst’ is (zulm) oppression upon the body. This, obviously, is not a good thing either. The health ramifications of this are not good. Thus, do whatever is necessary to be both spiritually and physically healthy. Based on health ramifications, I recommend that you do what needs to be done with extreme care and concern. If you feel that impurities are present on your body, merely perform your prayer and repeat it at a later time. The reward for your piety would be supreme.

It would always be necessary to repeat your salah if the splashes (or impurities such as blood, fecal matter etc.) have been significant in their accumulation.

(see key word: najasat, urine and standing, etc.)

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

p.s. men could use help from their mothers, sisters, aunts, spouses on how they manage just fine in doing what is necessary while not standing and making a mess of their garments. In knowledge there is no shyness. If half our population can do it the right way, so can we as men!