Abu Ayyub al-Ansari reported God’s messenger as saying, "When you go to the toilet neither face nor turn your back to the qibla [Ka'ba in Mecca], but turn towards the east or the west.” (Bukhari and Muslim.) The shaikh and imam Muhyi as-Sunna said that this tradition applies to the desert, but that in a built-up area it does not matter, on account of what is transmitted from ‘Abdallah b. ‘Umar who said, "I went up to the roof of Hafsa’s house for some purpose and saw God's messenger relieving himself facing Syria, with his back to the qibla.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Purification - Mishkat al-Masabih 334, 335
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, his family, and companions.
This noble hadith from Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes a fundamental etiquette for answering the call of nature. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited facing or turning one's back toward the qibla while relieving oneself outdoors. This ruling demonstrates the honor and sanctity Allah has granted to the direction of prayer.
The wisdom behind this prohibition includes showing reverence to the Ka'bah, maintaining spiritual purity during impure acts, and distinguishing Muslim practices from others. The command to face east or west applies specifically to those in the Arabian Peninsula where Mecca is situated.
The clarification by Imam Muhyi as-Sunna regarding built structures is crucial. The narration from Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) shows that within buildings, the prohibition is lifted due to the presence of barriers that conceal one's private parts. This demonstrates the flexibility and practicality of Islamic law.
Scholars have reconciled these apparently contradictory narrations by explaining that the general prohibition applies to open areas without cover, while the permission applies when using enclosed facilities. This reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic jurisprudence that considers varying circumstances while maintaining the honor due to the qibla.
May Allah grant us understanding of His religion and enable us to follow the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him) in all our affairs. Amin.