That he (the Holy Prophet, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said:"When you go to the privy, neither turn your face nor your back towards the qiblah at the time of excretion or urination, but turn towards the east or the west. (Abu Ayyub said): When we came to Syria, we found that the toilets already built there were facing the qiblah, We turned our faces away from them and begged pardon of Allaah.
Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah) - Sunan Abi Dawud 9
This hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud contains profound guidance regarding proper etiquette when answering the call of nature, demonstrating the Prophet's meticulous attention to both physical and spiritual purity.
The Prohibition Explained
The prohibition against facing or turning one's back toward the qiblah during excretion or urination stems from the honor and sanctity of the Ka'bah as the direction of Muslim prayer. The qiblah represents our spiritual orientation toward Allah, and maintaining its dignity requires avoiding such positions during impure states.
The instruction to face east or west (in Medina) provides a practical solution that ensures compliance regardless of one's geographical location relative to Mecca.
Companions' Implementation
Abu Ayyub's account demonstrates how the companions immediately applied this teaching upon encountering pre-existing toilets in Syria facing the qiblah. Their actions show: immediate compliance with prophetic guidance, seeking Allah's forgiveness for unintentional violations, and practical adjustment to circumstances.
Their seeking pardon (istighfar) indicates the seriousness with which they regarded this matter, treating even unintentional facing of the qiblah during impurity as requiring divine forgiveness.
Scholarly Consensus
The majority of scholars consider this prohibition to apply in open areas without enclosures. However, in built toilets with walls, some schools permit it due to the presence of barriers. Nevertheless, the optimal practice remains avoiding the qiblah direction entirely when possible.
This teaching reflects Islam's comprehensive approach to life, where even the most private acts are governed by spiritual awareness and respect for sacred symbols.