Prohibition on Cleansing Using the Right Hand

Sheikh Muhammad Shiddiq al Minsyawi, in his book ‘Rajin Shalat tapi Masih Keliru’, writes that the Prophet Muhammad SAW forbade using the right hand to clean or wash the genitals after defecation. The Prophet prohibited this to avoid contact with filth.

In a hadith narrated by Waki’ from Al A’masy from Ibrahim from Abdur Rahman bin Yazid from Salman, it is reported that some polytheists mocked the Prophet, saying, ‘I see your companion teaches you even how to defecate.’ Salman replied, ‘Yes, he commanded us not to face the Qibla, not to perform istinja with our right hands, and not to be satisfied with fewer than three stones that are free from dung and bones.’ (Mutaffaq Alaih)

Imam Nawawi said, ‘This is part of the etiquette of purification. All scholars agree that cleansing with the right hand is prohibited, and the majority hold that the prohibition is a matter of etiquette, not a strict prohibition. Some literalist scholars argue it is forbidden, and some within my own school have also indicated its prohibition, but that indication need not be heeded.’