A:
The general ruling regarding Istinja' according to Shari`ah (Islamic law) is that people use their left hand. However, Madmadah and Istinshaq (sniffing water into the nose and then expelling it) are to be done with the right hand. This is to honor the right hand and protect it from filth. A proof of this is the Hadith narrated by
`Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) who said:
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used his right hand for performing Taharah (ritual purification) and eating, and his left for performing Istinja' and removing impurities.
Therefore, if a person's right hand is incapacitated or has been amputated, it is permissible for them to use their left hand for Madmadah, Istinshaq, and so on. Regarding Istinja', it is sufficient for one to perform Istijmar (cleansing the private parts with a hard material after urination or defecation) only, whether by using stones or handkerchiefs, provided that one cleans the place of Najasah (ritual impurity) at least three times until all traces are removed before Madmadah and Istinshaq, (Part No. 4; Page No. 27) and then washes the face three times and completes the rest of Wudu'. It is worth mentioning that washing the parts of the body that must be washed in Wudu' only once or twice is sufficient, although it is better to wash them three times. It is only the head that the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) says should be wiped only once along with the ears. As for Madmadah with the left hand, this is permissible for the man in question as his right hand is amputated.Regarding Ghusl, if he can pour water over his entire body, this will be better. Otherwise, it is permissible for his wife or any other member of his family to wash the parts of his body that he cannot reach provided that he covers his `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public) when it is a person other than his wife. In addition, if he cannot find anyone to help him perform Ghusl, it will be sufficient for him to perform Tayammum (dry ablution with clean earth) for the parts of his body that he cannot wash. This is because the rulings that apply to a person who cannot find water also applies to a person who cannot use water. Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
When I command you to do anything, do of it as much as you possibly can.
Allah (Exalted be He) also says:
Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
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