Fatwa ID: 03824

Answered by: Maulana Muqtaur Rahman

Question

Can you tell me the ruling regarding the toilet facing Qibla? My Qibla is at 1-2 o-clock whilst my toilet is at 12. Is it suitable to have the toilet in this direction? I have read some a-hadeeth that says that the matter about urinating and defecating in the direction of Qibla is prohibited only when you have a clear view of the Kaba or in the open area. However, if you are in a building or an obstacle is in between you and the Kaba, then the ruling does not apply. Can you advise?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

According to the preferred opinion and fatwa of the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence, it is not permissible to face the direction of the Qibla or have one’s back face towards it when urinating and defecating. This ruling applies to toilets within closed building spaces as well as in an open space.[1] [2]

Abu Ayub said: When we came to Syria, we found that their toilets were built facing the Qiblah. So, we used to swerve while using them and used to ask Allah forgiveness for that.”[3]

It is clear from the above Hadith that a person should not face the actual Qibla whilst relieving themselves. If the toilet is built in such a manner that it is facing the actual Qibla, one should simply adjust the way they sit and try to ensure they don’t face the actual Qibla.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Muqtaur Rahman

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham