Proper Etiquette for Using Public Restrooms

Reading the Supplication for Entering and Leaving the Restroom

Scholars widely emphasize the importance of seeking refuge in Allah when entering and exiting restrooms. This practice is recommended as it protects individuals from evil spirits believed to reside in unclean areas and places where privacy is exposed. By turning to Allah, a person seeks divine protection. As Zaid ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) reported from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "These restrooms are frequented by unseen beings; so when one of you enters the restroom, say: 'I seek refuge in Allah from the evil male and female devils.'" (The term 'restrooms' refers to toilets).

It is also recommended for Muslims, after finishing their needs and leaving the restroom, to recite the supplication reported in authentic sources. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) left the restroom, he would say: 'O Allah, grant me Your forgiveness.'" This highlights the significance of seeking forgiveness. The wisdom behind this, as understood by scholars, is that Allah blesses His servants with food and drink, and then allows them to eliminate waste. Thus, the servant seeks forgiveness out of fear of failing to properly thank Allah for His countless blessings.

Entering with the Left Foot and Exiting with the Right

The reason it is recommended to enter the restroom with the left foot and exit with the right is based on Islamic etiquette regarding right and left sides. Actions associated with honor—such as performing ablution or washing—are done by leading with the right hand or foot. In contrast, actions related to impurity—like entering the bathroom or blowing one’s nose—are performed by leading with the left. This principle is supported by various authentic hadiths. For example, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "The Prophet (peace be upon him) preferred starting everything with his right side—during purification, combing his hair, and putting on his sandals." (Putting on sandals means wearing shoes; combing hair refers to grooming).

Cleaning the Toilet Seat Before Use

Toilet seats are breeding grounds for germs and dirt, which can easily transfer to hands and surfaces during use. Therefore, regular cleaning is essential to prevent buildup of bacteria and grime. Steps for proper cleaning include:

• Pour water into the toilet bowl after each use.
• Wear gloves.
• Fill a bucket with water and add an appropriate amount of soap, then mix well.
• Dip a paper towel into the soapy solution, squeeze out excess water, and wipe down the entire seat thoroughly. Pay special attention to the sides of the rim, as these areas are prone to yellowing and dirt accumulation.
• Dry the seat with clean paper towels.
• If using wet wipes, ensure the seat and rim are dried completely and covered with a fresh paper towel, especially in public restrooms.

Maintaining Privacy When Relieving Oneself

Maintaining privacy means avoiding being seen or heard by others while attending to personal needs. One should find cover behind a wall, sand dune, or similar barrier to conceal the body and avoid exposing private parts, making sounds, or emitting odors. According to Abdullah ibn Jafar (may Allah be pleased with him): "The Prophet (peace be upon him) once carried me behind him and whispered something I will never share with anyone. The places he most often used for relieving himself were a small mound or a grove of palm trees." (A mound refers to any raised structure like a wall or pile of sand; a grove of palm trees means an orchard).

Washing Hands with Water and Soap

Washing hands with water and soap is crucial for preventing exposure to germs, protecting against illness, and stopping the spread of viruses or bacteria between individuals and within communities. The correct way to wash hands includes the following steps:

• Wash hands under clean running water, either cold or warm.
• Apply a small amount of soap.
• Rub hands thoroughly, including between fingers, under nails, and on both front and back surfaces, for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse hands well under clean water to remove all soap residue.
• Dry hands with a clean towel or allow them to air dry.

Maintaining Restroom Cleanliness

Bathrooms harbor numerous germs and bacteria that can enter the body if general hygiene rules are not followed. Therefore, it's important to regularly clean and disinfect restrooms to maintain cleanliness and prevent disease-causing buildup. Key practices include:

• Clean the toilet seat with water and paper towels after every use to prevent mineral deposits that attract germs and cause bad odors.
• Regularly clean high-touch surfaces such as faucets, door handles, toilet seats, and similar fixtures.
• Immediately clean and disinfect any fecal matter or vomit, along with the surrounding area.
• After showering, rinse the bathtub and shower area with clean water regularly to prevent accumulation of residue and limescale. Scrub with soap and leave to dry completely.
• Store personal items such as razors and toothbrushes in closed containers to prevent germ buildup, and clean them after each use.
• Ensure constant ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
• Wash and replace towels regularly.
• Avoid placing rugs in bathrooms; instead, use solid flooring like tiles, vinyl, or wood, which are more hygienic and easier to clean.
• Always wash hands thoroughly before leaving the restroom.
• Avoid throwing paper towels on the floor. Dispose of them in a trash bin. This is a key rule to follow in both private and public restrooms.

Avoiding Talking Inside the Restroom

It is not permissible to speak inside the restroom, especially mentioning the name of Allah, because it is considered an impure place. Out of respect for the sanctity of Allah’s name, it should be kept away from unclean environments. Additionally, even casual conversation is discouraged as it goes against proper restroom etiquette. Unpleasant sounds may be heard by others, especially during phone calls, causing embarrassment to the speaker and discomfort to the listener.

Respecting Privacy in Restrooms

Even though restrooms may seem simple, certain requirements must be met during construction:

• They must have doors and locks.
• They should be located in safe and accessible places.
• Separate restrooms should be provided for men and women to preserve privacy.
• Special accommodations should be made for people with disabilities to meet their needs.

The importance of consistently reciting entrance and exit prayers lies in seeking protection from evil influences and recognizing Allah’s countless blessings. Maintaining regular toilet hygiene and proper handwashing contributes to a cleaner society and helps prevent diseases. Respecting others’ privacy fosters mutual respect across all community groups. All these practices form essential guidelines to follow when using restrooms.

References

1. Reported by Al-Albani in Sahih Abu Dawood, from Zaid ibn Arqam, page: 6, authenticated. Modified.
2. Reported by Muhammad ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen in Al-Sharh al-Mumti', from Aisha, Mother of the Believers, page: 106. Modified.
3. "Supplication for entering the restroom, even without intending to relieve oneself," Islam Q&A, March 14, 2008, accessed August 16, 2021. Modified.
4. "Supplication for entering the restroom," Ibn Baz, accessed August 16, 2021. Modified.
5. "When to prefer the right or left side," IslamWeb, July 9, 2007, accessed August 16, 2021. Modified.
6. ^ ^{a b} "Bathroom", Dettol, Retrieved August 16, 2021. Edited.
7. ↑ "Who Knew That Cleaning Your Toilet Seat Was So Easy!", toiletseats, Retrieved August 16, 2021. Edited.
8. ↑ Abu al-Tayyib Muhammad Siddiq Khan, Al-Rawda al-Nadiyya Sharh al-Durar al-Bahiyya, page 25. Modified.
9. ↑ Reported by Muslim in Sahih Muslim, from Abdullah ibn Jafar ibn Abi Talib, page: 342, authenticated. Modified.
10. ↑ "Adult health", Mayo Clinic, Retrieved August 16, 2021. Edited.
11. ↑ "Toilet Etiquette – Dos and Don’ts For Public Bathrooms", portlandloo, Retrieved August 16, 2021. Edited.
12. ↑ "Ruling on speaking in the bathroom, closing its door and lighting," Islam Q&A, accessed August 16, 2021. Modified.
13. ↑ "Toilet Etiquette – Dos and Don’ts For Public Bathrooms", portlandloo, Retrieved August 16, 2021. Edited.
14. ↑ "World Toilet Day", UNDP Project in Palestinian Camps, 2016, Issue 1, page 10. Modified.