One of the fatal consequences of leaving the guidance of the Prophet (sallallahu alyhi wa sallam) is that we find people facing many problems which are metaphysical and which many a time result in bringing about severe and tragic physical consequences. One such problem is the problem of jinn-possession and black magic. Although this is a matter encompassing various dimensions, in this article I wish to highlight one of the places inhabited by the Jinn with the hope of bringing about awareness and precaution for which there is a dire need. Indeed Allah is the One from Whom help is sought.
For many, the Islaamic etiquettes pertaining to the lavatory may seem trivial and of little consequence if neglected. In fact, such heedlessness could result in fatal consequences as the lavatory is a place inhabited by the Jinns and a Muslim should not go into this demonic habitation unarmed and unprotected. A sister has given me her kind permission to share with all of you how she was possessed by a Jinn:
She says that it started with her seeing a woman who looked just like her [the difference being that her hair was untidy and puffed-up], sitting on the kitchen surface staring at her whilst she was in her kitchen. The strangest thing is that this sister didn’t tell anyone about what she saw, since she herself was possessed and therefore the abnormal for her became the norm. Strange occurrences began and she started losing herself as the days continued to pass. In her lavatory she would often see stains of blood, this was surprising to her since no one was in her home nor had anyone been injured or hurt etc, so where on earth was this blood coming from? Her worries increased and her condition continued to worsen. In fact, many people witness blood in their bathrooms, for example, another family saw recurring blood on their bathroom window…
Let’s turn to the words of Allah (azza wa jall) and al Mustafaa, Muhammad (sallallahu alyhi wa sallam) for an answer and to relieve such fearful hearts from their confusion.
Allah (azza wa jall) says: {Verily, he [Shaytaan] and Qabeeluhu (his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them.} [Qur’aan: 7:27]
This verse of the Qur’aan clearly elucidates a dimension of this temporal and transient abode which many are sadly ignorant and unaware of. Yes, there is a creation that sees us, yet in ordinary circumstance we do not see them.
This verse and the hadeeth quoted are an evident and sufficient proof that
- The jinn can see us, even if under normal circumstances we can’t see them.
- They inhabit places in which humans relieve themselves.
‘Certainly these toilets are visited by the jinn.’ [Abu Dawood [6] and Ibn Maajah [296]]
In this hadeeth the term ‘Hushoosh’ refers to toilets and the term ‘Muhtadharah’ means that they are haunted and therefore inhabited by the jinn. The Prophet (sallallahu alyhi wa sallam) very clearly and emphatically has described for us the reality of the lavatories we regularly visit. The scholars say that the reason why devils frequent such places where humans relieve themselves is to do them harm. That is why it is not befitting for a person to stay in the place in which he relieves himself more than the time needed; since this is a place one should exercise caution as satan loves places which are filthy and dirty. The lavatory is not visited by the angels because the angels run away from places where the evil jinns are present, just like the evil jinns run away from pure places where the angels are present. As a matter of fact, staying in the lavatory without need brings about waswaas (satanic whispers) and suspicion (in the deen). Therefore a person may be struck and inflicted with a type of matter, the end of which is not praised.
This does not mean that a person runs away from such places, or stops going to answer the call of nature! Without a doubt, it is a blessing from Allah, that we are able to find a hidden and decent place to relieve ourselves, and to be able to hide our awrah (private parts) from the eyes of others. Keeping that in mind it is of utmost importance that we do not forget about the on-lookers, who may be watching you as the minutes fly by. Sadly, the magazines and newspapers present next to the toilet seat, or on the toilet’s window ledge, tell a story of ignorance or even worse, purposeful negligence. In fact, they act as red lights flashing the signal of a possibility of imminent danger which can threaten the peace of mind and sanity of those who spend unneeded procrastinated periods of time in the toilet. If they knew what was watching them, I’m sure they would find a more suitable place to read their monthly magazines.
The following are some etiquettes pertaining to the usage of the lavatory:
Enter the toilet with the left foot first. Ibn Hajar in Fathul Baaree says that "…it may be understood by some by the Prophet's love of beginning good and pure things with the right hand/side that this (entering the toilet) falls into the opposite category.”
Say the Basmalah [i.e. Bismillah] before entering the toilet. The Prophet [sallallahu a’lyhi wa sallam] said: "To put a barrier that will prevent the jinn from seeing the 'awrah of the sons of Aadam, let any one of you say 'Bismillaah' when entering the toilet." [Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 551; Saheeh al-Jaami', 3611] and also: Al-Tirmidhi (no. 606) narrated from ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “A screen will be placed between the eyes of the jinn and the ‘awrah of the sons of Adam when one of them enters the toilet, if he says ‘Bismillaah (in the name of Allaah).” [Al-Tirmidhi (no. 606].
Read the following du’a:
[Narrated by Anas bin Maalik and collected in Saheeh al-Bukharee (Volume 1, Book 4, Number 144) and Saheeh Muslim (Book 003, Number 729).]
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
“The benefit of saying Bismillaah is that it conceals a person. The benefit of seeking refuge with Allaah is that one is turning to Allaah from evil and from the male and female devils, for this place is filthy (khabeeth) and a filthy place is the abode of those who are evil (khubatha’). So it is the abode of the devils. Thus it is appropriate if one wants to enter the toilet to say “A’oodhu Billaah min al-khubthi wa’l-khabaa’ith (I seek refuge with Allaah from evil and from the male and female devils)” so that he will not be harmed by evil or by the evil souls.” [Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 1/83.]
So, maybe it’s time to listen to the ipod in another place...