During the coronavirus pandemic, people in Western countries were seen storing toilet paper. The demand skyrocketed, and stores were out of stock for weeks. However, the South East Asian part of the world didn’t see this influx.
This is due to several reasons, which we will be talking about in this blog. Here is a guide to debunking the mystery of Muslims using toilet paper.
Do Muslims use Toilet paper?
Yes, they do; in fact, most toilets in Muslim homes are more equipped compared to Christian toilets. However, there are effects of culture, society, financial status, and personal choices.
Islam prescribes a Muslim to clean himself after using the toilet; the prescribed method is cleaning by water.
The Quran says in Surah At-Tawbah Verse 108, “Never stand you therein. Verily, the mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety is more worthy that you stand therein (to pray). In it are men who love to clean and to purify themselves. And Allâh loves those who make themselves clean and pure [i.e. who clean their private parts with dust (which has the properties of soap) and water from urine and stools, after answering the call of nature].
The use of water to clean has been prescribed in the Quran and proved by Sunnah. Anas Ibn Malik (RA) narrates, “Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) went to answer the call of nature, I and another boy used to go after him with a staff, a stick or a short spear (or stick) and a tumbler of water, and when he finished answering the call of nature, we would hand that tumbler of water to him.” — Sahi Al Bukhari Vol
The Last Messenger of Allah used water to clean himself after answering the call of nature. Therefore, Muslims around the world prefer water over anything else to clean themselves.
However, the use of toilet paper in the Muslim world has become common. If you visit any Muslim country and stay in a hotel, you will be provided with complete toiletry, regardless of your room and the hotel standard.
Conclusion
We have mentioned a Quranic verse and the way the Prophet (PBUH) answers if Muslims use toilet paper, and we believe we have cleared all the misconceptions. Muslims use toilet paper after cleaning themselves with water.
FAQs
Why do Muslims have different toilets than ours?
It’s not only Muslims, but more than four billion people in the world use squat toilets. It is common in countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
The squatting toilets in Muslim countries have a water bucket or a hose pipe for their users, and toilet papers are used additionally to wipe out what’s left. This method of pooping has been practiced for centuries and has added benefits to the health.
Is Squat toilet a Sunnah?
Squatting has been proven to be the easiest way to pass out urine or feces. The prophet used to take a squatting position to answer nature’s call.
It is narrated by Abdullah bin Umar (RA) that “People say, “Whenever you sit to answer the call of nature, you should not face the Qibla or Baitul-Maqdis (Jerusalem).” I told them. “Once I went up the roof of our house, and I saw Allah’s Apostle answering the call of nature while sitting on two bricks facing Baitul-Maqdis (Jerusalem) (but there was a screen covering him.” Sahi Al-Bukhari 145
Do Muslims use water instead of toilet paper?
Yes, Muslims prefer cleaning themselves with water as prescribed in the Quran and proven by Sunnah. However, they use toilet paper after cleaning their selves with water.
Can you use toilet paper to clean up after passing urine?
The use of water is mandatory to achieve cleaners (Taharat). Therefore a Muslim will need water instead of toilet paper to cleanup after urinating.
Do Muslims have to use a bidet?
Yes, as mentioned above, using water to clean after answering nature’s call is mandatory. Therefore, you will see bidets or a hose pipe in toilets in Muslim countries.
Muslims also use toilet paper to wipe out the water after using a bidet. In some countries, a bidet is also known as a Muslim shower.
Do Muslims wipe their bum with their hand?
Yes, they do, and that is considered normal in most Muslim countries. But after washing their bums, they clean their hands with water and soap.
