And the explanation of the evidence that performing istinja (cleaning oneself) with only stones without using water is also sufficient.

Sayyiduna Salman (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a polytheist said to him—and the polytheists used to mock him—I see that your companion (Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) teaches you (everything), even the manner of relieving yourselves. Sayyiduna Salman replied: Yes, he (peace and blessings be upon him) has commanded us that (when relieving ourselves) we should not face the Qiblah, nor use our right hand for cleaning, nor be content with less than three stones, and that there should not be dung or bone among them. In the narration of Duraqi, the words are as follows «‏‏‏‏قَالَ بَعضُ المُشرِکِینَ لِسَلمَانَ» ‏‏‏‏ "A polytheist said to Hazrat Salman (may Allah be pleased with him)."

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever performs ablution should clean his nose, and whoever performs istinja with stones should use an odd number of stones." In the chain of narration of Imam Ibn Mubarak, the word «‏‏‏‏سمع اباهريره» ‏‏‏‏ is used (whereas in the above-mentioned chain, it is «‏‏‏‏عن ابي هريرة» ‏‏‏‏). Imam Abu Bakr, may Allah have mercy on him, says that I heard Yunus saying that Imam Ibn ‘Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy on him, was asked about the meaning of «‏‏‏‏ومن استجمر فليوتر» ‏‏‏‏ "and whoever uses stones for istinja should use an odd number of stones," so Ibn ‘Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy on him, remained silent. He was asked, "Will you accept the explanation and interpretation of Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him?" He asked, "What did Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, say?" It was said that Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, says that the meaning of «‏‏‏‏الاستجمار» ‏‏‏‏ is to perform istinja with stones. (Upon hearing this) Ibn ‘Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "My example and that of Imam Malik is just as the earlier (wise) people have said."

The command to use an odd number of stones refers to an odd number that is more than one, such as three or more (for example, five, seven, etc.), because sometimes the term "odd" is also applied to one. However, using only one stone for istinja is not sufficient, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded that less than three stones should not be considered sufficient for istinja.

Sayyiduna Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When any one of you uses stones for istinja (cleaning after relieving oneself), he should use three stones."

And whoever used more than three even stones for istinja and did not use an odd number, then he will not be sinful because he has left a non-obligatory, recommended, and superior act, not an obligatory one.

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When any one of you performs istinja with stones, he should use an odd number (of stones). Indeed, Allah is Odd and loves odd numbers. Do you not see the seven heavens, the seven earths, and the seven circuits of Tawaf? (i.e., all these are odd.)" In this way, he mentioned several things.

Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When any one of you drinks (a beverage or the like), he should not breathe into the vessel, and when he relieves himself, he should not touch his private part with his right hand, and when he cleans himself after relieving himself, he should not clean himself with his right hand."

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: "When any one of you urinates, he should not touch his private part with his right hand, nor should he clean himself with his right hand, and he should not breathe into the vessel (while drinking)." This is the narration of Amr bin Abi Salamah, and Ali bin Hujr has said «‏‏‏‏عن عن» ‏‏‏‏ throughout the entire chain. (That is, he has not used the word «‏‏‏‏حدثنا» ‏‏‏‏ or «‏‏‏‏سمع» ‏‏‏‏ anywhere.)

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he (peace be upon him) said: "I am to you just as a father is to his son (caring, well-wishing). Therefore, none of you should face the Qiblah nor turn his back towards it while relieving himself. And do not use less than three stones for istinja (cleaning), and do not use dung or bones among them."