Q1. While cleaning oneself after using the toilet, is it enough to use papers or is it necessary for one to use water also? A1. Using stones, tissues and papers or any hard object to clean the private parts after urination or defecation is called ‘Istijmar', and using water for the same purpose is called ‘Istinjaa'. Using tissues or stones (Istijmar) shall be sufficient if the dirt was not dry or hard to be removed without water, and one should clean the exit at least three times, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If one of you wants to defecate, it will be sufficient for him to take three stones with him to cleanse himself with.” One should make sure that no trace of the dirt was left and it must be noted that it is forbidden to use bones, dung, or papers that contain sacred writing like the knowledge of Islam. Salman Al Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that : “He (the Prophet, peace be upon him) forbade us to face the Qiblah when defecating or urinating, or to cleanse ourselves (after urination or defecation) with the right hand, or with less than three stones, or with dung or bones.” (Sahih Muslim). However, using water after ‘Istijmar' is much better and more desirable. Q2. It has become common to see several young people pray while wearing shirts or clothes with pictures of people or animals. Is their prayer valid? A2. The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' were asked a similar question which was, ‘Is it permissible to pray in a garment on which there is an image of a person or images of animals? Is it permissible to enter the toilet in a garment on which there is the name of Allah?' The Committee replied, “It is not permissible to offer Salah in garments adorned with the animate images such as humans, birds, animals and so on. It is also not permissible for a Muslim to wear them, even when not offering Salah. The Salah of those who perform it wearing garments adorned with images is valid but they are committing a sin if they know the legal ruling in this regard. It is not permissible to write the Name of Allah on the garment. It is Makruh (reprehensible) to enter bathrooms wearing a garment containing the Name of Allah as this is humiliation of the Name of Allah (The most Exalted). Q3. Is Khatam Al-Qur'an on somebody's death considered as Biddah (innovative practices that were not prescribed by the Prophet (peace be upon him)? A3. Yes, it is Biddah, because it was not done by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or any of his companions (may Allah be pleased with them). __
