THE ACCOUNTS OF THE DAY OF RESURRECTION -No:15 - The Punishment for those Who do not Observe Propriety While Urinating

The Punishment for those Who do not Observe Propriety While Urinating

In a detailed tradition, Saiyidina Shafi b. Matih Asabih (God’s pleasure be upon him) reports the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) having said: “In Hell, a certain man will be pulling his guts (intestines). The people of Hell will be much amazed and ask him: ‘What deeds did you perform ?’ He will say, ‘‘I did not observe propriety while urinating and sat everywhere without care to urinate.” (Tibrani, Kabir, Ibn Abi Dunya).In Islam, while there isn't a specific, prescribed worldly punishment for improper urination, it is considered a serious offense that can lead to divine punishment. Islamic teachings emphasize cleanliness and purification (Tahara), and failing to maintain these during urination is seen as a violation of these principles.

Here's a breakdown:

Minor Sin, Major Consequences:

According to Islamic tradition, a hadith (saying of the Prophet Muhammad) indicates that improper urination is not a major sin, but it can still be a cause for punishment in the grave. The Prophet (peace be upon him) passed by two graves and mentioned that the occupants were being punished, one for not guarding against urine drops.

Importance of Purification:

Islam places great emphasis on purification (Tahara), both physical and spiritual. This includes ensuring cleanliness after urination.

Guidance in Hadith:

Islamic texts detail guidelines for proper urination, such as using the left hand to clean oneself and avoiding urination in public areas or near water sources.

Divine Punishment:

While no specific earthly punishment is mentioned in the texts, it is understood that neglecting these guidelines can lead to divine punishment, both in this life and the afterlife.

Focus on Prevention:

The emphasis is on preventing the improper act through adherence to Islamic teachings on purification and hygiene rather than on specific punishments.

What is the punishment of urine in Islam?

The words of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) are: “Avoid urine, for most of the punishment of the grave is because of it.” According to another version, “Most of the punishment of the grave is because of urine.” What it means is to avoid urinating and be careful about it.

The hadith stating "Most of the punishment of the grave is because of urine" refers to the importance of avoiding carelessness with urine, as it is a common cause of discomfort and potential punishment in the grave.

The concept of the punishment of the grave is supported by various hadith, including those compiled by Ibn Hanbal, and is a belief held by the majority of Sunni and Shia Muslims. This punishment is believed to be administered by angels Munkar and Nakir who question the deceased about their faith and practice. While the Quran does not explicitly mention the punishment of the grave, it is a significant concept in Islamic eschatology.

The hadith about urine emphasizes the need for cleanliness and care in performing ablutions and avoiding situations where urine might cause discomfort or impurity. The specific wording "Most of the punishment of the grave is because of urine" highlights the significance of this seemingly minor issue in the context of the afterlife.

The idea of ​​planting a branch on a grave is related to the concept of seeking blessings and easing the punishment of the deceased, but it is not directly connected to the hadith about urine. Some scholars interpret this act as a way to seek blessings for the deceased, while others consider it a bid'ah (innovation). The primary focus of the hadith concerning urine is on personal hygiene and avoiding actions that could lead to discomfort in the grave.