ABLUTION SECTION · 21 – PURIFICATION WITH STONES (CLEANSING)
40 – Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) related: It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: “When one of you goes to relieve himself, let him take with him three stones to wipe with. Those three [stones] are sufficient for purification.” [59]
EXPLANATION
The use of three stones indicates the obligatory amount [of cleansing]. In a place where water is not available, the believer who wipes with three stones has fulfilled his obligation. If the impurity has not spread and does not require further wiping, then three stones suffice. If it has spread and requires more stones, then one may use more stones.
When water is available, using water after wiping with stones is better, but the practice of using stones as in modern toilets is not something that exists.
41 – Huzaymah ibn Sabit (may Allah be pleased with him) related: It was asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) about the number of stones used for purification (tahara), and the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said, “It is done with three stones that do not contain dung.” [60]
EXPLANATION
The word "reci" mentioned in the hadith text means animal manure (dung). Just as purification with dung is forbidden, it is also unsuitable to purify oneself with stones containing animal filth.