Covering the Private Parts When Relieving Oneself

Question
What is the ruling on covering the private parts while relieving oneself?
Answer
I say, and with Allah's success: A Muslim should conceal themselves as much as possible when relieving themselves, so that people do not see their private parts. If they cannot find a secluded place, they should refrain from doing so; because exposing one's private parts is prohibited, while cleaning oneself is commanded, and the prohibition outweighs the command. Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "When the Prophet (peace be upon him) wanted to relieve himself, he would go until no one could see him," as reported in Sunan Abu Dawood 1/47, Sunan Ibn Majah 1/121, and Sunan Al-Darimi 1/23. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Prophet (peace be upon him) would not lift his garment until he was close to the ground when he wanted to relieve himself," as reported in Sunan Al-Tirmidhi 1/21, Sunan Al-Darimi 1/178, Al-Mu'jam Al-Awsat 2/116, and reported by Abu Dawood in his Sunan from Ibn Umar 1/50. See: Bada'i Al-Sana'i, 5/126, and Tabyeen Al-Haqaiq, 1/166, and Fath Al-Qadeer, 1/419, and Allah knows best.
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