Isa bin Abu Isa narrates: I said to Imam Sha’bi: I am greatly astonished at the statement of Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), and the narration transmitted by Nafi’ from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both). Imam Sha’bi inquired: What did these two gentlemen state? So I replied: Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) says:“(At the time of relieving oneself) do not face the Qiblah nor turn your back towards it.”Whereas Nafi’ has narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that he said:“I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): he went to the toilet for relieving himself, and its direction was towards the Qiblah.”So Imam Sha’bi stated:“As for the statement of Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), it pertains to the open desert, because there are some servants of Allah who perform prayer in the desert, so you should not face or turn your back towards them while relieving yourself. But as for toilets constructed within houses, there is no prohibition in facing or turning your back towards the Qiblah in them.”