People say, "Whenever you sit for answering the call of nature, you should not face the Qibla or Baitul-Maqdis (Jerusalem)." I told them. "Once I went up the roof of our house and I saw Allah's Apostle answering the call of nature while sitting on two bricks facing Baitul-Maqdis (Jerusalem) (but there was a screen covering him. ' (Fath-al-Bari, Page 258, Vol. 1).
Hadith Commentary: Facing Qibla During Relieving Oneself
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 145 addresses the permissibility of facing the Qibla or Jerusalem while relieving oneself outdoors. The companion's observation clarifies that while general prohibition exists for such direction, exceptions apply when proper screening is present.
Legal Ruling Analysis
Scholars distinguish between open areas and built structures. In deserts or open fields, facing the Qibla is prohibited out of respect for the sacred direction. However, in enclosed spaces like buildings with walls or screens, the prohibition is lifted as the area becomes private.
The Prophet's action on the rooftop demonstrates that proper screening transforms the space into a private area where the directional restriction no longer applies. This reflects Islam's balanced approach between showing reverence for sacred directions and accommodating practical human needs.
Practical Application
In modern contexts, bathrooms with walls and doors are considered properly screened areas. Therefore, the prohibition does not apply to contemporary bathroom facilities regardless of their directional orientation.
This hadith teaches us the importance of understanding the wisdom behind rulings rather than applying them rigidly without consideration of context and circumstances.