a place where there are no walls, concealing trees, or mountains. In an open area, he should move far enough away to conceal himself, as related in the two Sahihs from al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah, who said: “He went away until he was concealed from me, then relieved himself” (1). This also plainly accords with dignified conduct and proper etiquette.

Concealing himself, and seeking out a soft place in which to urinate, …

His statement, “Concealing himself,” means that it is recommended for him to conceal himself. What is meant is concealing his entire body, and this is better, based on the previously mentioned hadith of al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah. As for concealing his private parts, that is obligatory.

His statement, “Seeking out a soft place in which to urinate”: seeking out means searching for; “in which to urinate” excludes defecation; and “soft”—with the rā’ pronounceable with any of the three vowel sounds—means ground that is soft, where there is no fear of urine splashing.

If it is asked: Why is this recommended?

The answer is that it is safer from urine splashing. Although the basic presumption is that it has not touched him, hard ground may open the door to misgivings.

Many people are afflicted by misgivings in this situation. They say, “I fear that some drops may have splashed onto me,” and then the mind begins to dwell on it until the person remains doubtful about his condition.

If he is on ground with nothing soft around him, they said that he should bring his penis close to the ground so that splashing does not occur (2). This is correct, and all of this is