Benefits & Rulings:

➊ Although this narration is weak due to the presence of an unknown narrator (Shaykh), the issue it discusses is confirmed through other authentic ahadith — that extreme care must be taken when it comes to urine, because human urine is inherently impure (najis ‘ayn), even if its substance is not visible. It is obligatory to avoid it and to attain purification. Breastfeeding infants and those suffering from chronic incontinence (sals al-bawl) are exempt from this ruling.

One should find a place to urinate where there is no risk of urine splashing. If the surface is not soft, it should be softened; alternatively, the ground should be sloped to avoid the risk of becoming contaminated by urine splashes.

Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both of them) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed by two graves and said: “These two are being punished, and they are not being punished for something major. One of them used to not protect himself from urine, and the other used to spread malicious gossip.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Wudu, Hadith: 218]

This hadith teaches that one must be very careful about urine splashes. Those who urinate without caution, do not protect their clothes, and stand up without performing istinja (cleansing)—even when water is unavailable, by using tissues, stones, or soil—end up with their trousers, pants, shalwar, and body contaminated with urine. Such individuals should know that failing to protect oneself from urine is a cause of punishment in the grave and is a major sin.

Another narration from Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both of them) states that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Most of the punishment in the grave is due to negligence concerning urine (i.e., not taking care in purification), so be cautious.” [Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib, Vol. 1, Hadith: 158]

➋ Islam is a religion of cleanliness and purity. It binds both the individual and the society to observe cleanliness and purification in every internal and external aspect of life.

➌ During the best of generations, people would inquire about religious matters from scholars and virtuous individuals. They would also verify hadiths and carefully examine narrations and fatwas issued by other scholars.

➍ Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both of them), despite being a distinguished member of Ahl al-Bayt and a noble Companion, did not hesitate to refer to Sayyiduna Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) in matters requiring clarification. This is the true character of sincere scholars and a great example for students and the general public to follow.