Doubts About Purity After Using the Bathroom

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Asslam u alykum. I am suffering from extreme waswasa. You can not imagine my pain.  I fear going to bathroom.  I have been told to ignore them.  My question is if I ignore waswasa about purity, but in reality I amnot pure, what will happen to my salah? I’m not sure what to do during istinja to get rid of my waswasa.  Please assist me. 

Answer:Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are well, insha’Allah.

From this point onwards, ignore every single doubt that the devil sends your way. If he sends you any doubt, say “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan”.

The default assumption about all matters is validity and soundness. Certainty is not lifted by doubt. Thinking ‘what if I am not pure’ or ‘what if I didn’t do it right’ are mere suppositions. Completely ignore them. The operating assumption about all of your acts of worship is validity. Therefore, your ritual ablutions (wudu) and consequently prayers are valid.

From now on when needing to use the washroom, take the following steps as outlined here: What Should I Do About Left Over Drops of Urine?

[1] After using the toilet, wait a few moments to make sure all remaining drops exit,
[2] Squeeze and slightly twist the private part,
[3] Wipe the private part with toilet paper,
[4] Wash the private part with water three or so times, and
[5] Sprinkle water onto your clothes and private parts.

Realize that this is a test from Allah –- “Truly with hardship comes ease” [94:6]. And remember that “Allah does not burden souls with more than they can manage” [2:286]. Have conviction in the mercy of Allah. Rejoice in His blessings upon you. Take the means and rely upon Allah.

See also: A Reader on Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings)

“Verily this religion is ease; and none make this religion difficult except that it overwhelms them.” [Bukhari]

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani