I half-heard an interview with a young Muslim woman on Today FM a few minutes ago and decided to find out for myself what Muslims really think of squat toilets. The first link is this Wikipedia page on the subject which states,
The Islamic faith has particular rules regarding personal hygiene when going to the toilet. This code is known as Qadaahul Haajah [1] and is extremely prescriptive. The rules were established during times before the invention of toilet paper or toilet seats. In many parts of the Muslim World, squat toilets are the norm and toilet paper remains rare and its use a matter of dispute.It should be borne in mind that none of the following points is contained within the Koran and all are derived from hadith sources and the collected opinions of people throughout history. The Koran is silent on any of the issues below including issues of sidedness such as whether one uses the left or right hand, order of stepping into or out of toilet areas, or which foot stress is placed upon. The only issue which it does touch upon in relation to toileting, is the one of washing one’s hands especially following going to the toilet which is mentioned in verse 5:6 of the Koran.
I recall from the interview Ray D’Arcy asked the woman if the Koran said that squat toilets should be used. She artfully dodged the question by replying that Muslims use squat toilets all over the world, while also implying that it was in the Koran if I remember correctly.
As Islam is now the third largest religion in Ireland I think the sales of new toilets might be affected by future trends..
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BTW – why do I feel slightly uneasy when even thinking about discussing anything related to Islam? I wouldn’t bat an eyelid at pointing out the strange customs of the Catholic Church or Church of Ireland.
LOL this have nothing to do with religion, you can use whatever you want. This is more about culture in arab countries, if someone used squat toilet during all his life why should he change to something else ?
Islam teach how to be clean after, by washing … etc. Personally I don’t feel comfortable with squat things, even that I got one at home (but rarely use it).
And btw someone told me once that squat toilets are much better and gave me a scientific explanation of the position and so on but I forgot it. Maybe it’s just toilet marketing ? lol what a topic !
It’s not very hygenical to put ur ass on a cover on which thousands of people put,in the WCs especially in the shopping centers, soccer fields.
Muslims like Ottomans use squat toilets now for 1000 years. But, only two hundred years ago, no one know toilet and hygen in Europe included Ireland, U.K. Even, Versailles Palace hadn’t toilets when it was made
Thanks for the feedback guys! It’s a different culture to what I’m used to, but that doesn’t make it bad or good either.
And just because it was used for 1000 years doesn’t mean that it should still be used. Ah yes, I remember travelling through O’Hare Airport in Chicago and they had these plastic toilet seat covers that would change when a button was pressed or a hand waved over it.
Kral – I totally agree with you about the hygene aspect of sitting on a toilet that many others may have sat on. Use toilet paper to cover the seat next time you’re caught out and worried about health issues!
if u dont use tp what do u use??
Your hand. Specifically your right hand.
use left hand to clean yourself
More specifically. Modern muslim bathrooms have a hand held water hose / shower thing attached to or near the toilet. Sort of a bidet.
I found a translation on the verse 5:6, it doesn’t tell about going to the toilet. In stead, it talks about when & how to perform ablution.
Btw, I do use both toilets, the squat toilet for urinating and the other toilet for emptying my stomach
Lol, you research the most random thing’s donncha
The low down with toilet’s is now what toilet you use rather how you clean your self afterward’s that matters. Unlike Toilet paper we use water, mini hose type things, etc giving me a much more clean feeling.
When even i have to use a school bathroom I end up using the TP but I don’t feel clean using tp.
Has anyone heard of cleaning ritual that involves a gardening jug such that you would use to water flowers? My curiosity stems from a muslim gent that goes into the bath room with the jug. After that I don’t know what he is doing…lol whats the deal?
The garden jug holds water which is used to rinse the Be-hind after one has done their doings
The Islamic way the most hygienic way of visiting the toilet ( contrary to popular belief )
Islam is a complete way of life and not like ( Church on Sunday scenario )
stay on the safe side when out in public
use the disposable tiolet seat covers
That is very interesting. This also looks like a good place to ask my question, haven’t been able to find a resource for this. A friend, a personal driver for a Pakistani man, says he is forbidden to use the bathroom in the family house. I thought it was rude and untrue. He says it is because of their culture. Anyone know about this? Thankyou!
More specifically. Modern muslim bathrooms have a hand held water hose / shower thing attached to or near the toilet. Sort of a bidet.
I thought moslems use the 3 seashells?