Fatwa ID: 05216

Answered by: Mufti Muhammad Adnan

Question

I use the shower to do istinja but I want to learn to do it with a lota or bottle or cup or something. My problem however is that I get splashes when using a bottle or lota. Then I get whispers and I struggle a lot with this. Can you please help me and give me advice as if you explain it to a child.

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Answer

There is a principle in Islamic jurisprudence which is:

“Certainty is not lifted by a doubt.” (Al Ashbah Wan Nadhair p.60)

Therefore, with regards to cleanliness, you should presume everything to pure and clean and if you have the slightest doubt regarding something being impure, it is obligatory for you to consider it to be pure.

With regards to your situation, it is obligatory for you to consider the items to be pure except where you have seen with your own eyes the items becoming impure. Only then you will consider the items to be impure. Similarly, it is not necessary for you continuously or even constantly to keep an eye on the pure or impure hand of a child when it touches you and then doubting whether I have to wash this part or not.

Saaiduna Abu Hurairah Rradiallahu Anhu said: “Some of the companions of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam came to him and said, ‘We find in our hearts things that none of us dares utter.’ He said, ‘Do you really find that?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘That is clear faith.’ (Sahih Muslim)

The Shaitan only whispers to people of faith; as for those who are non-believers or non-practising he comes to him however he wants and does not limit himself to waswaas, rather he toys with him however he wishes.

In the meantime increase your zikr and remembrance to Allah (SWA) and don’t let these thoughts overtake you. Whenever you feel the doubts and whispers overtaking your concentration in salah then spit dryly three times to your left before you start your salah.

Saaiduna Uthman Ibn Abil Aas Radiallahu Anh said: “The Shaitan was interfering with my prayer and recitation of Qur’an. The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said: ‘That is a devil called Khanzab, so seek refuge with Allah from him and spit dryly to your left three times.’ I did that, and Allah took him away from me.” (Sahih Muslim p.224 v.2)

In regards to your question, you may do it very slowly and carefully so that splashes are minimal therefore reducing any doubts. If your certain of impurity, then treat it as impure. If it is just a doubt, then treat it as pure.

Only Allah Knows Best 

Written by Mufti Muhammad Adnan

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham