Question:
Assalamualaikum Dato. Is there any evidence from the Quran, hadith or athar regarding the restriction of taking a bath during the night?
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wrt. wbt.
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Islam is a religion that emphasizes cleanliness and Allah SWT love His slaves who are clean. Bathing is one of the ways to clean oneself. Furthermore, Allah SWT also commanded us to take a bath as stated in the Quran:
- Allah SWT state:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَقْرَبُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَنتُمْ سُكَارَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَعْلَمُوا مَا تَقُولُونَ وَلَا جُنُبًا إِلَّا عَابِرِي سَبِيلٍ حَتَّىٰ تَغْتَسِلُوا
“O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body].”
Surah al-Nisa’ (43)
According to the above question, we did not find any verses in the Quran, hadith or athar from the companions of the Prophet PBUH regarding any restriction against bathing during the night. Hence, it is permissible for us to take a bath anytime we wanted, for there is no restriction on taking a bath at night time. However, there are several opinions from scholars who state that it is makruh (undesirable) to take a bath when the sun is setting and in between the two isyak (between maghrib and isyak time). This is stated in Mughni al-Muhtaj:
وَيُكْرَهُ دُخُولُهُ قُبَيْلَ الْغُرُوبِ وَبَيْنَ الْعِشَاءَيْنِ لِأَنَّهُ وَقْتُ انْتِشَارِ الشَّيَاطِينِ
“And it is makruh to enter it (bathroom) when the sun is setting and in between the two isyak (between maghrib and isyak), for it is the time the shaytan are roaming.” (See Mughni al-Muhtaj, 224/1)
Reviewing the above statement, it is best for us to avoid entering the bathroom during both specified times unless if there is a necessity. Furthermore, bathroom or bathing is a necessity for every human such as when they need to urinate and perform the obligatory bath.
Wisdom of the Sanctioning of Bath
Here, we include several wisdoms on the sanctioning of bath stated in al-Fiqh al-Manhaji. Bath has several wisdoms and benefits, among them are:
- Rewards from Allah SWT
Bathing according to syarak is a form of worship. The reason is when one performs a sanctioned act of worship according to syarak, he will receive a great reward from Allah SWT. The Prophet PBUH said:
الطُّهُورُ شَطْرُ الإِيمَانِ
“Purity is half of iman (faith).”
Sahih Muslim (222)
Purification meant in the above hadith includes ablution and taking a bath.
- Cleanliness
When a Muslim takes a bath, he will be cleansed from any dirt or impurity stuck on his body or sweat that is excreted from his body. A clean body will prevent bacteria and germs from thriving on his body which could lead to diseases. Someone who is clean and smells good would make others around him comfortable and nurture the feelings of care and compassion.
This is in accordance with a hadith from Aisyah RA, where she said:
كَانَ النَّاسُ أَهْلَ عَمَلٍ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُمْ كُفَاةٌ فَكَانُوا يَكُونُ لَهُمْ تَفَلٌ فَقِيلَ لَهُمْ لَوِ اغْتَسَلْتُمْ يَوْمَ الْجُمُعَةِ. وَفِي رِوَايَةٍ لَهُمَا: فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: لَوْ أَنَّكُمْ تَطَهَّرْتُمْ لِيَوْمِكُمْ هَذَا
“The people (mostly) were workers and they had no servants. Ill-smell thus emitted out of them. It was said to them: Were you to take bath on Friday.” In another narration by al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet PBUH said: “Were you to cleanse yourselves on this day (Friday).”
Sahih al-Bukhari (861) and Sahih Muslim (847)
- Energetic
Taking a bath will make one more energetic and active, relieving one from tiredness and laziness especially when it is obligated for him such as after intercourse.
Closing
As a conclusion, here we reiterate that there is no evidence from the Quran and sunnah that restrict bathing at night time. Lastly, may Allah SWT make us from among His slaves who are always mindful and take care of their cleanliness. Amin.
Wallahua’lam.