Is it necessary to use one's hand for istinja' (washing after defecation or urination), or are papers or water hoses sufficient?
After relieving oneself, it is obligatory to remove impurity with any purifier, and water is best. It is permissible to suffice with a water hose if it completely removes the impurity. When using stones (istijmar), it is a condition to use three wipes or more until the area is cleansed, based on the Hadith of Salman, may Allah be pleased with him: "Our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade us... from cleaning ourselves with less than three stones." It is permissible to use a single stone with multiple sides or a large tissue if it removes the impurity.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/10065