What is istinja?

Istinja is the Islamic practice of cleansing oneself after using the bathroom. It is considered an important part of personal hygiene and purification in Islam. The term istinja comes from the Arabic word "najasa," which means impurity.

To perform istinja, a person typically uses water to wash the private parts, ensuring that there is no residue left behind. This can be done using a small vessel or a bottle of water. It is recommended to use an odd number of handfuls of water to cleanse oneself thoroughly.

In addition to physical cleansing, a person is also encouraged to recite the dua (supplication) for entering and exiting the bathroom, which includes seeking protection from evil and asking for forgiveness.

Istinja is considered a necessary act before performing certain Islamic rituals, such as prayer or handling the Quran. It is also recommended to perform istinja after engaging in sexual activity or passing wind.

Overall, istinja is an important practice in Islam that emphasizes cleanliness and purity in both body and spirit.