Is it obligatory to use the left hand for performing istijmar, just as it is for istinja, or is it permissible to use the right hand for istijmar in cases of hardship and fear of spreading impurity?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is disliked to perform (washing) or Istijmar (cleaning with stones) with the right hand, out of respect for it. However, if there is a need to use it, such as if the left hand is paralyzed, or one finds difficulty in using the left hand, or fears the spread of impurity by using it, then in these cases, the dislike is negated.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/153712
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 153712
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy