How do Muslims use water in the toilet?

Muslims primarily use water for cleansing after using the toilet, a practice known as Istinja, which is a vital component of Islamic purity. This emphasis on water for cleanliness stems from religious teachings that highly value hygiene and ritual purity (Taharah).

The Importance of Purity in Islam

In Islam, physical and spiritual purity is paramount, especially as a prerequisite for acts of worship like prayer. Cleansing oneself thoroughly after relieving nature's call is a fundamental aspect of maintaining this purity, ensuring both cleanliness and spiritual readiness.

Methods of Water Cleansing (Istinja)

The most common and preferred method involves washing away impurities with water. This is typically achieved using various tools:

Bidet Showers (Shattaf): These handheld sprayers are prevalent in Muslim-majority countries and are increasingly found worldwide. They provide a precise stream of water for effective cleansing.
Water Jugs or Bottles: In places where bidets are not available, a small jug (often called a lota) or a personal water bottle is used to pour water for washing.
Toilet Paper and Water Combination: Many Muslims will first use toilet paper to remove the bulk of impurities and then follow up with water for a complete and thorough wash, combining convenience with comprehensive cleanliness.

Recommended Cleansing Practices

After defecation or urination, water is used to wash the private parts until no trace of impurity remains. According to Islamic tradition, it is preferred to wash **three times or more, ideally finishing with an odd number** of washes. This reflects a prophetic recommendation for thoroughness and purity. The ultimate aim is complete cleanliness, ensuring no remnants of waste or odor are left behind.

Complementary Practice: Istijmar

In situations where water is scarce or unavailable, Muslims may initially use pure, solid objects like stones, leaves, or toilet paper to wipe away impurities. This practice is known as **Istijmar**. While Istijmar provides a level of cleanliness, if water becomes available later, it is highly recommended to then use water for complete purification, as water is considered the most complete and purifying agent.

The table below summarizes the primary and complementary methods of cleansing:

Method	Description	Purpose
Istinja	The act of using water (or a similar pure liquid) to cleanse the private parts after defecation or urination. This is the preferred and most complete method of purification. It involves washing until all traces of impurity are removed, ideally performing the wash three times or more, finishing with an odd number of washes to ensure comprehensive hygiene.	To achieve complete physical purity (Taharah) from excretions, which is a prerequisite for prayer and other acts of worship. It ensures thorough cleanliness, removes odors, and provides a sense of freshness that dry wiping alone may not achieve.
Istijmar	The act of using pure, solid objects like stones, leaves, or toilet paper to wipe away impurities from the private parts when water is unavailable or scarce. This is an alternative or complementary method. It also involves wiping three times or more, preferably finishing with an odd number for effective removal of impurities.	To achieve a sufficient level of cleanliness when water is not accessible. While considered a valid form of purification, it is generally supplemented with water (Istinja) if water becomes available, for the highest level of purity and adherence to comprehensive Islamic hygiene principles.