Instinjaa’ linguistically means to wipe or wash the area where excretory matter is discharged, that is, the matter that comes out from the bowel. It is the removal of filth with water or the like.
Requirements Prior to Wudhu
Upon passing urine, the person must ensure the leakage of urine has stopped and his mind must be satisfied concerning that. This is achieved through one’s regular habits like walking, coughing, or lying on one’s side. The woman is not required to do this. She is to wait a small time and then clean herself.
It is not permissible to begin Wudhu until one is satisfied that the leakage of urine has ceased.
The Ruling of Istinjaa’
Istinjaa’ is Sunnah when the filth that exits from the private part has not spread past the boundary of the outlet.
For example, if a person defecates and the fecal matter does not spread past the perimeter of the anus, then Istinjaa’ is Sunnah - and this applies to both males and females.
If the filth crosses the boundary of the outlet and is equal to the size of a Dirham (like a 2p coin), then it is necessary (Waajib) to remove it with water or with a liquid cleanser like rose water.
If the filth that has crossed the boundary is greater than the size of a Dirham then it is obligatory (Fard) to clean it with water. If there is water available then prayer is not valid until he cleans.
Additionally, when a person is observing major ghusl from post sexual discharge, menstrual bleeding, postnatal bleeding etc, it is obligatory (Fard) to wash the filth in the exit passage, even if it is minimal.
It is Sunnah to perform Istinjaa’ with a clean stone or similar, provided that it is not rough like burnt clay, or that it is not valuable. Washing with water is superior to simply wiping, but only doing one of those things is permitted. The best method is to combine both ways.
The Sunnah is to purify the area with a prescribed number of stones, whether it be 3 in some evidences (as used by the Shafi’is), or an odd number in other evidences such as Abi Dawud 35 (as used by the Ahnaaf).
How to Perform Istinjaa’
If the male’s scrotum hangs loosely or is stretched: one is to wipe from the front part near the testicles through to the rear with the first stone, then with the second stone from the rear to the front, and with the third stone from the front to the rear. This procedure is recommended for those with long scrotums as it avoids bringing the filth to the front and spreading it to the scrotum.
If the male’s scrotum is not hanging loosely: one must begin from the rear and then bring to the front.
The female is to begin from the front and move to the rear so that she does not bring any filth up to her vagina.
After wiping, the male is to first wash his hand because if he touches the soiled area whilst his hand is dry, the fecal matter may seep into his skin. Thereafter, he is to run the soiled area with water using the inside of one finger, two fingers, or three if necessary.
The male is to first raise his middle finger above the others at the beginning of Istinjaa’ and thereafter is to raise his ring finger above the others. He must not restrict cleaning to one finger only.
The female is to raise her ring finger along with her middle fingers simultaneously at the start of Istinjaa’ so that she accidentally does not rub her vagina and cause herself to become aroused during the process. This means the woman uses the majority of her fingers when she begins.
One is to perform the utmost and thoroughness of cleaning of the area and is to relax the hips and backside and not contract any muscles in order to clean what is in the passage to the best of one’s ability, and this relaxation is done provided one is not fasting, and this is the view in the Hanafi Madhhab. The view is that if water goes into the anus, then the fast is nullified.
However the majority view is that the fast is not nullified by this.
When one finishes Istinjaa’ they must wash their hands thoroughly a second time and allow their backside to dry before standing up.
Doing Istinjaa’ Around Others
It is not permissible to expose the ‘Awrah for Istinjaa’ amidst the presence of others. If there are onlookers then it must be done under the clothes. If one uncovers his ‘Awrah in front of others he is considered a Faasiq (immoral person).
That Which is Disliked to Use It is disliked to use bones and food of humans and animals. Evidences:
Ibn Majah 424, An Nasaa’i 1/72.
It is disliked to use baked bricks, and anything made with fire such as tiles, as well as earthenware, charcoal, glass, gypsum, as well as items of value such as silk and cotton.
It is disliked to use the right hand unless there is a valid reason.
Evidences: Bukhari and Muslim 267, Abi Dawud 31