Istibra in Islam: Ensuring Purity After Urination and Dispelling Common Misconceptions
The Status of Istibra (Ensuring Purity After Urination)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has taught us the etiquettes of using the bathroom, and these guidelines are sufficient for us. Hence, we should avoid unnecessary innovations or actions that are contrary to the Sunnah. Umm al-Mu’minin, Aisha (RA), narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"When any of you goes to relieve himself, let him take three stones to clean himself, for they will suffice."
(Sunan Abi Dawood: 40, Sahih)
From this hadith, we learn that using three stones is sufficient for purification after relieving oneself. However, other hadiths emphasize the importance of being cautious about urine splashes and ensuring cleanliness, as negligence in this regard is a cause of punishment in the grave.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Stay away from urine because the majority of the punishment in the grave is due to it."
(Sahih al-Jami’: 3002)
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated a well-known hadith in which the Prophet ﷺ passed by two graves, whose occupants were being punished:
"One of them used not to shield himself from his urine, and the other used to go about with calumnies (gossip)."
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1361)
In Sahih Muslim, the phrase “لا يَسْتَتِرُ” (“did not shield himself”) is accompanied by “لا يَسْتَنْزِهُ عَنِ البَوْلِ”(“did not protect himself from urine splashes”). Similarly, in Sunan an-Nasa’i, the wording is:
"He did not cleanse himself from his urine properly."
(Sunan an-Nasa’i: 2068, Sahih)
The terms “لا يستتر”(not shielding), “لا يستنزِه” (not protecting), and “لا يستبرئ” (not waiting for complete cessation of urine drops) all convey the same meaning: negligence in cleanliness after urination. This negligence is also a cause of punishment, as indicated in authentic narrations.
Summary of Islamic Teachings on Urine Cleanliness
- Islam instructs us to ensure cleanliness after urination, avoid urine splashes, and take necessary precautions. For example:
- Select a soft surface or an appropriate place for urination.
- After urination, ensure that all urine drops have ceased before performing purification, either with water or, if unavailable, with three clean stones.
The Issue with Excessive Istibra
Recently, an article on “Istibra” has spread misconceptions by promoting excessive caution in purification. It casts doubt on people’s ablutions and prayers. Some claims include:
- The water used during cleansing renders clothes impure.
- Women are allegedly afflicted by jinn and devils due to this water mixture, leading to anger, jealousy, and hatred.
These are baseless, exaggerated claims with no foundation in Islamic teachings. Such notions resemble the devil’s whispers that make one doubt the validity of their ablution during prayer.
Ibn Abbas (RA) was asked about someone feeling wetness during prayer. He replied:
"May Allah destroy Satan. He touches a person’s private parts during prayer to create the impression that his ablution has broken. If you experience this, sprinkle water over your private parts after ablution. Then, if you feel something, say it is just water."
(Musannaf Abd al-Razzaq: 583)
Common Misconceptions and Practices
Some sects, particularly among the Hanafis, exhibit excessive caution in cleansing after urination. These include:
- Squeezing the private part firmly to expel remaining drops.
- Washing the private part along with the testicles during purification.
- Washing the anal area unnecessarily.
Such actions are innovations and not prescribed in Islam. The Sunnah is to wash only the area from which urine exits. Washing the testicles or anal area without reason is excessive.
Important Points to Remember
1. Hadith on Squeezing the Private Part: The narration about squeezing three times after urination is weak and not to be acted upon.
"When any of you urinates, let him squeeze his private part three times."
(Weak: Ibn Majah, 68)
2. Purity of Water Used in Cleansing: The water that touches the private part during cleansing is pure and does not make clothes impure.
3. Dealing with Whispers: If someone feels a whisper about urine drops during prayer, they should sprinkle water on their private part after ablution, as per the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ.
4. No Need for Excessive Actions: Pressing or squeezing the private part is unnecessary. Proper purification with water or stones is sufficient.
5. For Those with Urinary Issues: Those who experience continuous dripping of urine should perform ablution before each prayer, and any drops after that are excused.
Final Words
The emphasis on excessive caution in “Istibra” is an innovation leading to unnecessary doubts about worship. Ironically, those promoting such caution fail to encourage congregants to recite Surah al-Fatiha in prayer or to perform raf’ al-yadain (raising hands during prayer) for fear of missing Sunnah acts. Yet, they amplify doubts over minor purification issues.
This stems from blind adherence to tradition (taqlid). May Allah grant us the ability to understand Islam correctly and act upon the Qur’an and Sunnah. Ameen.
✍️ Written by: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (Hafizahullaah)
❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫
✍🏻 English Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail