his penis during the prayer: must he perform ablution? If it is but a part of him, then there is no difference between touching it with his right hand or his left hand. (1)

Some scholars said: If one is prohibited from touching it with the right hand while urinating, then the prohibition against touching it when not urinating is all the more appropriate, because while urinating he may need to touch it. Thus, if he is prohibited in a situation in which he needs to touch it, then the prohibition in other situations is even more appropriate. (2)

Both arguments have merit, and both possibilities are plausible. The more cautious course is to avoid touching it altogether. However, it can only be stated with certainty that this is disliked while urinating, on account of the hadith. In circumstances other than urinating, the matter remains open to possibility. Therefore, if there is no need, the left hand makes the right hand unnecessary.

The reason for deeming it disliked is to honor the right hand.

Cleansing oneself with water or wiping oneself with stones using it, ………

His statement, “and cleansing oneself with water or wiping oneself with stones using it,” means that it is disliked to cleanse oneself with water or wipe oneself with stones using the right hand.

The difference between the two is that cleansing oneself is done with water, whereas wiping oneself with stones is done with a stone or something similar. This is based on the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “No one should wipe himself after relieving himself with his right hand.” (3)

The reason for this is to honor the right hand.

However, if one needs to cleanse himself with water or wipe himself with stones using his right hand—for example, if his left hand is paralyzed—then the disapproval no longer applies. The same is true if he needs to wipe himself with stones using his right hand, such as when he can find only a small stone, then—