How to answer the call of nature while facing or turning one’s back toward the qiblah?

Question:

Is it allowed to make toilet towards the qiblah (direction of prayer) inside the house? Is it OK in case there is a wall between the qiblah and the toilet?

Answer:

There is a consensus among scholars regarding the prohibition of relieving oneself out while facing or turning one’s back towards the qiblah. Relieving oneself out in the open is prohibited unless there is a partition or a screen between oneself and the Ka`bah. Abu Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whenever you go to the desert, neither turn your face nor turn your back towards the qiblah while answering the call of nature, but face towards the east or the west. Abu Ayyub said: When we came to Syria we found that the latrines already built there were facing towards the qiblah. We turned our faces away from them and begged forgiveness of the Lord. He said: Yes.” (Muslim)

Jabir ibn `Abdullah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade us to face the Qiblah at the time of making water. Then I saw him facing it (Qiblah) urinating or easing himself one year before his death.” (Abu Dawud)

Ahmed, Shafi`i and Malik see that it is permissible to relieve oneself while facing the qiblah inside a building.

Responding to this question, Dr. Muhammad Salah states that it is prohibited to answer the call of nature while facing or turning one’s back towards the qiblah, either urinating or defecating in an open place. It is allowed inside the toilet which is surrounded with walls.

Enjoy watching this interesting talk with Dr. Muhammad Salah to know the ruling of relieving oneself while facing or turning one’s back towards the qiblah (direction of prayer).

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Source: Iqra Youtube Channel