Fatwa ID: 05195

Answered by: Maulana Nabil Khan

Question

‌I know that it is permissible to make istinja using water only. Some people use a Jug/”lota” to pour the water onto the private parts. My question is, which hand does the person use to carry the jug and pour the water with?

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

Answer:

It is an established sunnah to complete instija by utilizing the left hand for cleaning the private parts and ridding oneself of any impurity. The reason for this is because the right hand should be used for blessed acts such as zikr, eating, drinking, and other things. The Prophet (SAW) was known to have done all good acts with his right hand and to clean himself with His (SAW) left hand.

When completing istinja the private part must be washed/wiped by the left hand for both men and women. As for a jug of water or toilet paper that is brought to clean oneself in the toilet should be brought to the toilet with the left hand. Thereafter when a person has finished relieving themself then they should clean their private area with their left hand and if they are using a jug of water they can pour water with their right hand. Generally speaking, one should avoid using the right hand as much as possible during istinja.

Reference:

Al-Fatawa Al-Hindiyya [1:54]

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Nabil Khan

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham