How Do I Avoid OCD When Using Bathrooms?

Answered by Ustadh Farid Dingle

Question

I suffer from obsessive compulsion disorder and it takes me hours to purify myself and I’m too paranoid to use other people’s bathrooms. Please help.

Answer

May Allah bless you with light and ease.

As long as you the water that splashes around is not visibly filthy, then you assume it is pure. (Fath al Muin, Millibari)

Just assume everything is pure unless you see filth on it. 

The religion is not that hard, and the Companions (Allah be well pleased with them) never used that much water, or took that much time going to the bathroom or making ghusl. Imam al-Ghazali went to great lengths to show how easy and practical the religion of Islam is, and to correct such misgivings as you are falling prey to.

One useful trick is to use a stopwatch. You could, for example, put a 2-minute timer when going to the bathroom, or a 5-minute timing when making ghusl.

Please also read:

A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings)

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years, he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.