**A Cultural Look At Afghan Bathroom Habits**

Afghanistan is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islamic toilet etiquette dictates that Muslims wash their backsides with water after using the toilet. This is done using the left hand, and a small pot of water called a lota, or a vessel such as an Aftabeh or bodna. In some cases, an odd number of smooth stones or pebbles may be used if water is unavailable. Toilet paper is not traditionally used, although Turkey's top religious authority has decreed that it is acceptable if water cannot be found.

Islamic toilet etiquette

Before Using the Toilet

Muslims must first find an acceptable place away from standing water, people's pathways, or shade. It is advised that it is better to enter the area with the left foot, facing away from the Qibla (direction of prayer towards Mecca). It is also advised to say a prayer before entering the toilet, such as:

> Bismillaah, Allaahumma inee a'uudhu bika minal khubthi wal khabaaith. In the name of Allah, O Allah! I seek refuge with You from all offensive and wicked things (evil deeds and evil spirits).

While Using the Toilet

Talking, initiating or answering greetings, eating, and reading are strongly discouraged while using the toilet. If two men are using the toilet together, they must not converse, look at each other's genitals, or touch each other's genitals.

After Using the Toilet

The anus must be washed with water using the left hand, or if water is unavailable, with an odd number of smooth stones or pebbles. The penis or vulva must also be washed with water using the left hand after urinating, a procedure called istinja. It is commonly done using a vessel known as an Aftabeh, Lota, or bodna.

When leaving the toilet, it is advised to exit with the right foot and say a prayer, such as:

> Alhamdu-lil-laa-hil-la-dhi adh-haba 'a-nil a-dhaa wa 'a-faa-ni. Praise be to Allah who relieved me of the filth and gave me relief.

Other Considerations

Muslims are also instructed to wash their hands after using the toilet and to dry their private parts with a cloth or toilet paper. It is also important to note that urinating while standing is not preferred but is acceptable if squatting or sitting is not possible.

Toilet hygiene in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been experiencing a crisis in clean water and sanitation due to decades of civil war and negligence. The lack of an internal plan and a water infrastructure deficit has led to urgent consequences, such as various waterborne diseases and diarrhoeal diseases.

Sanitation Status

According to the State of the World's Toilets 2007 report, about 92% of Afghanistan's population did not have access to proper sanitation. This number reduced to 61% by 2017. However, the remaining percentage still places Afghanistan at the top of the list of "the worst places in the world for sanitation".

Open defecation is a prevalent issue in the country, causing social, health, environmental, and development problems. This issue has been addressed by UNICEF and other organisations, who have partnered with local ministries to end open defecation by 2025. They advocate for the Community-Led Total Sanitation approach, which encourages people to build and use their own latrines.

Toilet Hygiene Practices

The traditional dry vault toilet system, commonly used in Afghanistan, is considered a major health and sanitation problem. Other widely used toilet systems, such as septic tanks and sewerage, are also not considered "safe" or "eco-friendly".

The lack of standard toilets has led to serious health problems, especially in rural areas. In these areas, the use of clothes for cleaning instead of water or toilet paper has resulted in bacterial and parasitic infections, particularly in women and children.

However, there is a cultural and religious preference for water-based cleansing methods. Islamic toilet etiquette, called the Qadaa al-Haajah, instructs Muslims to wash their anus with water using the left hand after defecation. This practice is known as istinja. If water is unavailable, an odd number of smooth stones or pebbles can be used for cleansing.

Impact of Poor Sanitation

The high prevalence of infectious diseases in Afghanistan is linked to the poor standard of hygienic facilities and toilet hygiene practices. Diarrhoeal diseases are a significant issue, with diarrhoea-related deaths among children under five totalling over 9,500 per year.

Additionally, a lack of access to clean, safe, and private toilets is a major barrier to education for girls in Afghanistan. The absence of proper sanitation facilities in schools can lead to increased school absences and negatively impact academic achievement.

Improvements and Initiatives

UNICEF and other organisations have made significant progress in improving access to clean water and sanitation in Afghanistan. In 2017, more than 300,000 people received clean water through their initiatives.

UNICEF has also constructed public toilets in Kabul city that recycle human waste into biogas for lighting and electricity generation. Additionally, they have supported over 500 communities in Afghanistan to be declared 'open defecation-free' in 2017.

World Vision Afghanistan has constructed 1,700 model latrines in three provinces, providing clean, safe facilities that promote good health and save lives. They have also conducted awareness-raising sessions on personal hygiene, handwashing, and safe storage of drinking water.

Toilet paper vs water

Toilet paper is a common method of cleansing after defecation in Western countries. However, in many other parts of the world, including Muslim countries, water is the preferred method. This can be in the form of a handheld vessel, a bidet, or a jet device.

Toilet paper is a convenient and familiar method of cleansing for many people, especially in Western countries. It is simple to use and can be disposed of easily, either by flushing down the toilet or placing in a bin. However, toilet paper can be abrasive and can cause irritation, especially if wiped too harshly or too many times. It can also be ineffective at fully cleaning the anal region, leaving residue and increasing the risk of infections or rashes. In addition, the production of toilet paper has a significant environmental impact, requiring large amounts of water, trees, and energy.

On the other hand, water is considered a more hygienic method of cleansing. It is the preferred method in many Muslim countries, in line with Islamic toilet etiquette, and is also common in some Christian and Hindu countries. Water is seen as a more effective way to remove faecal matter and prevent the spread of bacteria. It is also gentler on the skin, reducing the risk of tears and bleeding. Using water is also more environmentally friendly, requiring less water and causing less damage to plumbing and sewer systems than toilet paper.

However, using water for anal cleansing can be less convenient and may require additional infrastructure, such as bidets or jet devices. It also requires a greater time investment, as the anal region needs to be dried with a cloth or toilet paper after washing.

Both toilet paper and water have their advantages and disadvantages. Toilet paper is convenient and familiar, but can be abrasive and less effective at cleansing. Water is considered more hygienic and environmentally friendly but may require additional infrastructure and time. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences, cultural norms, and the availability of resources.

Afghanistan's stance on toilet paper

Afghanistan is a predominantly Muslim country, with around 99% of the population practising Islam. As such, the country's stance on toilet paper is informed by Islamic toilet etiquette, which is a set of personal hygiene rules in Islam.

Islamic toilet etiquette dictates that Muslims must use water to wash themselves after defecating. This is done with the left hand, using a vessel known as a lota, bodna, or aftabeh, or with the left hand to guide water from a spout. This practice is considered to be superior to the use of dry toilet paper, which is seen as inadequate for cleansing.

However, in recent years, there has been some flexibility in the interpretation of Islamic toilet etiquette. Turkey's top religious authority, the Directorate of Religious Affairs or Diyanet, has decreed that Muslims may use toilet paper if water is unavailable, as water is still the preferred method for cleansing. This fatwa states that "if water cannot be found for cleansing, other cleaning materials can be used...there is no problem in using toilet paper."

In Afghanistan specifically, the use of toilet paper may vary depending on access to water and cultural influences. While some Muslims in Afghanistan may strictly adhere to the practice of using water for cleansing, others may adopt a more flexible approach, especially when travelling or in situations where water is not readily available. Additionally, cultural influences from neighbouring countries, such as Pakistan and the Middle East, may also impact the toilet habits in Afghanistan.

Overall, while Afghanistan's stance on toilet paper is informed by Islamic toilet etiquette and the preference for water cleansing, there may be variations in practice depending on individual interpretations, cultural influences, and access to resources.

The use of bidets

A bidet is a bowl or receptacle designed to be sat upon to wash a person's genitalia, perineum, inner buttocks, and anus. The modern variety has a plumbed-in water supply and a drainage opening. The bidet is designed to promote personal hygiene and is used after defecation, and before and after sexual intercourse. It can also be used to wash feet, with or without filling it up with water.

The bidet is a common fixture in many parts of the world, including Europe, Central and Southeastern Europe, Eastern Asia, some South American countries, and North African countries. It is also common in countries with large Muslim populations, such as Turkey, Iraq, and Indonesia.

There are several types of bidets:

• Standalone bidets are individual fixtures that require their own space and plumbing. They are more costly to install and require the user to walk over to the bidet after using the toilet.
• Bidet toilet seats are integrated into the toilet seat and have a retractable nozzle that sprays water. They are cheaper and simpler to install and can be used while sitting on the toilet.
• Handheld bidet sprayers are similar to a kitchen sink sprayer and are mounted on the wall next to the toilet or attached to the toilet tank. They are manually directed to the desired area and are useful for other purposes such as washing the shower walls, bathing pets, or cleaning cloth diapers.
• Portable or travel bidets are small, battery-operated, or manually squeezed devices that can be carried while travelling.

Bidets offer several advantages:

• They provide a thorough cleaning of private parts, ensuring better hygiene than toilet paper alone.
• They are eco-friendly, reducing the demand for toilet paper and leading to fewer trees being cut down.
• They conserve water, as users can control the water stream and use only the amount needed.
• They keep clothes and underwear cleaner between washes.
• They are ideal for the elderly or disabled, making it easier for them to clean themselves.
• They are helpful during pregnancy when it becomes difficult to clean oneself with toilet paper due to a large bump.
• They reduce toilet clogs by decreasing the use of toilet paper.

However, bidets also have some disadvantages. They take up a lot of floor space and can spray water on the floor, requiring regular cleaning. Additionally, they may leak and cause water damage if not installed properly.

Frequently asked questions