Middle Eastern Culture Bathroom Etiquette

Muslims follow specific bathroom etiquette and behavioral guidelines based on teaching in the Quran. Bathroom etiquette can be divided into six aspects: entering, seclusion, rule against facing Qiblah (the Kaaba in Mecca, a building toward which Muslims turn when they pray), squatting, cleaning and stepping out.

Entering

As Muslims enter the bathroom, they are to say this prayer: "Oh, Allah, I seek your protection from the male and female devils." They are to enter the bathroom with their left foot first and not to carry anything that contains the name of Allah, such as the Quran, any other book with Allah's name in it, or jewelry that has Allah's name engraved on it. They are not to read or speak to another person while in the restroom, except in special situations, such as helping someone with a disability.

Seclusion

Muslims are to relieve themselves out of sight and in privacy. Muslims believe that the bathroom door should be tightly shut when someone is inside. Muslim women require a bathroom door that meets the floor; a bathroom stall with a gap between the floor and the bottom of the door does not provide enough privacy.

Prohibition of Facing the Qiblah

Muslims are not to face or have their backs to the Qiblah while defecating. Instead, they are to position themselves so either their right shoulder or their left shoulder faces Qiblah. Some Muslims believe that, as long as they are in an enclosed stall, the stall shields their bodies, while others believe they should refrain as much as possible from facing or putting their backs toward this area while they are relieving themselves.

Squatting

The Quran prohibits Muslims from coming into contact with their own urine or feces, both of which are considered impure. Therefore, squatting to urinate or defecate is the recommended practice, so that urine will not splash onto clothing.

Cleaning

After using the restroom, Muslims are required to clean themselves with water. If water is not available, they are to use something with a textured surface, such as a piece of wood or a stone. They can use toilet paper as long as it does not absorb the urine or feces, causing their hand to come into contact with these substances. According to the Quran, Muslims are not to use their right hand to clean themselves.

Stepping Out

After Muslims finish relieving themselves and cleaning themselves, they are to step out with their right foot first. As they exit the bathroom, they are to say this prayer: "I seek your pardon. Praise be to Allah who removed from me discomfort."

References

• Muslim Restroom Etiquette
• Kaa'bah: The House of Allaah

Resources

• Islamic Manners