Most-asked question

What are the rules of istinja and toilet etiquette?

71 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, AskImam, Ibn Masood, Azaadville, Camperdown, Amjadi). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“It is permissible to make istinja with water of any temperature, however the water should not be so hot that it burns or causes harm to the body.i”

AskImam — Istinja with hot water · 13 Sep 2019

“It is permissible to use wet wipes or tissues for Istinjaa (ritual cleansing). However, it is preferable and Sunnah to also use water to ensure thorough cleanliness.”

Camperdown — Using wet wipes for Istinjaa. · 30 Aug 2024

“Water should be used at the time of istinja. One should not suffice on using toilet paper. If traces of impurity are left on one's body due to not using water and it exceeds the amount of the circumference of one's inner palm, then the Salaah will not be valid.”

Mufti Online — Using water for istinja · 29 Apr 2014

“It refers to urine and stool only as the word ‘Istinja’ is generally used for urine and stool. The Mas’ala is as follows: If urine or stool doesn’t exceed the place of exit (that is the front or back private part), then using water to wash the private part is Sunnah (and not obligatory).”

Ibn Masood — Using toilet paper to cleanse oneself after Istinja · 21 Sep 2022

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Building A Toilet Facing Slightly Away From The Qibla Azaadville · 19 Sep 2025
  2. Istinjaa Ibn Masood · 27 Jul 2025
  3. If istinjaa is not made, is ghusl compulsory? AskImam · 24 Feb 2025
  4. Using wet wipes for Istinjaa. Camperdown · 30 Aug 2024
  5. Zakaat On Savings To Buy A House Excessive Use Of Water In Istinja When Fasting Amjadi · 2 Apr 2022
  6. Water splashes while making istinjaa Mufti Online · 22 Jul 2018
  7. Using Tissue Or Toilet Paper To Clean A Toilet Seat Azaadville · 22 Jul 2025
  8. Toilet Facing In Direction Of Qiblah Ibn Masood · 31 Jul 2024
  9. Waswasa during Istinjaa - How do i get rid of this? AskImam · 3 Aug 2020
  10. Using only tissue paper for istinjaa’ Camperdown · 20 Dec 2023
  11. Assisting a bed-ridden person to make istinja and ghusl Mufti Online · 9 Apr 2017
  12. Using toilet paper to cleanse oneself after Istinja Ibn Masood · 21 Sep 2022
  13. Can we make instinja with tissue paper / toilet paper? AskImam · 12 Dec 2019
  14. Istinja with hot water AskImam · 13 Sep 2019
  15. Using water for istinja Mufti Online · 29 Apr 2014

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