Is Using Toilet Paper After Pooping Permissible According to the Quran?
Questions about hygiene practices sometimes evoke curiosity and perhaps some amusement. However, they are also enriching discussions as they delve into the cultural, religious, and practical aspects of our practices. This article addresses a particular query: Is using toilet paper considered haram (forbidden) or halal (permitted) according to the Quran? The answer to this question lies in an exploration of Islamic hygiene practices as mentioned in various scholarly sources.
The Global Context of Toilet Paper
Delve into the common modern practice of using toilet paper, and it's not hard to imagine why early humans recommended the use of natural leaves, stones, or dirt clods for cleaning oneself after defecation. These methods were not only available but also practical, given the limited resources and knowledge of sanitation in earlier times.
Hygiene Practices in the Quran and Hadith
The Quran itself does not explicitly mention the use of toilet paper after pooping. Instead, it focuses on the broader principles of cleanliness and purity, which are essential in Islamic rituals and daily life. The Quran emphasizes cleanliness and hygiene, as seen in Surah Al-Maidah (5:6):
“O you who have believed, eat from the good and lawful that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is He Whom you worship.”
The Quran places a strong emphasis on washing and cleaning, which is essential in maintaining physical and spiritual purity. However, when it comes to specific practices like using toilet paper, the guidance comes from the understanding of the scholars and their interpretations of the Islamic texts.
Ibn al-Mundhir's 'Iqna'
An important reference is the work of Imam Ibn al-Mundhir, titled Iqna, a comprehensive guide to Islamic law. In the chapter dealing with ritual purity, named Istinjaa, which translates to "cleansing the private parts," Ibn al-Mundhir mentions the permissibility of using non-writing paper for the purpose of wiping oneself after defecation.
"Al-Iqna of Ibn al-Mundhir: Section Dealing With Ritual Purity - CHAPTER FIVE : Mention of Cleaning the Private Parts Istinjaa"
According to Iqna, the term 'stone' is used to refer to whatever permissible solid substance is used for wiping. This term is broad and includes various natural and artificial materials.
“The general term ‘stone’ is used for whatever permissible solid thing is used to wipe oneself, but as noted in point 5, the ‘stone’ may be not just a stone but “clods of dry and solid earth, wood, cloth, papyrus, pieces of moulded clay and other such things.”
Furthermore, the recommended practice is still to wash with water after wiping. However, if water is not available, simply wiping with a clean substance is acceptable.
“It should also be noted that it is recommended to wash with water after wiping. Point 10 also note 15; though just wiping, just washing with water are also acceptable.”
Conclusion
The permissibility of using toilet paper after pooping is rooted in the broader principles of cleanliness and purity outlined in the Quran and further explained by the scholars. While the Quran does not explicitly mention toilet paper, the guidance in Islamic texts supports the use of any permissible substance for cleaning, including written paper if necessary, although the recommend practice is the use of water.
The conclusion is clear: using toilet paper after defecation is not haram, but it is highly recommended to follow the more preferred practice of washing with water for the sake of optimal cleanliness and spiritual purity.
Key Takeaways:
The Quran emphasizes cleanliness and hygiene. Specific practices like using toilet paper are explained in scholarly interpretations. Water is the preferred method of cleansing in Islamic practice.References:
Ibn al-Mundhir, Al-Iqna