one’s needs. In another narration from him, he said, “It should not be done.” (1)
What is well known among his followers is that when he says, “I dislike it,” or, “It should not be done,” he means that it is forbidden.
In summary, one should not speak while relieving oneself, except when there is a need, as the jurists—may Allah have mercy on them—have stated: for example, if he needs to direct someone, or if someone speaks to him and he must reply, or if he needs something from a person and fears that he may leave, or if he asks for water with which to cleanse himself. There is no harm in such cases. (2)
And urinating in a crack and the like, …
His statement, “And urinating in a crack,” means that it is disliked to urinate in a crack. A crack is an opening in the ground, and it may be a burrow for creeping creatures and animals. The apparent meaning of their words is that this applies even when the cause of the crack is known—for example, if the land is a flat expanse which, when it dries, normally cracks open.
His statement, “and the like,” has been explained by some as referring to the mouth of a drain (3), which is a place where unclean water collects. It was given this name because it swallows up the water.
The dislike is waived in cases of need, such as when one finds no place other than this cracked ground.
The evidence for its being disliked is:
- The hadith of Qatadah from Abdullah ibn Sarjis, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade urinating in a burrow. Qatadah was asked, “What is the matter with a burrow?” He replied, “It is said that they are the dwellings of the jinn.” (4) Some scholars