Is it permissible to perform Istinja (cleansing after excretion) with water or stones?
Chapter on Cleaning oneself (Istitabah) and Impurity (Hadath)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The majority of scholars permit the choice between cleansing with water or stones for Istinja. This practice is supported by the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Anas narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) would use water for cleansing in the latrine, and this narration is agreed upon (Muttafaqun 'alayh). Furthermore, evidence supporting water use comes from Aisha, who instructed women to tell their husbands to use water for purification after excretion, stating the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to do so; this hadith is considered authentic by Al-Tirmidhi. Supporting the use of water, Abu Hurayrah narrated that the verse concerning the people of Quba ({Therein are men who love to purify themselves} [Quran 9:108]) was revealed because they used to cleanse with water. Water is deemed superior if only one is used because it cleanses the location, removes the essence and trace of impurity, and is more thorough in cleaning.
Supporting text
A view narrated from Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas and Ibn al-Zubayr indicated they disliked cleansing with water. Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib questioned who among them would do such a thing except women. Al-Hasan did not use water for Istinja. Furthermore, some scholars held that confining oneself to stones is sufficient without dispute among scholars, based on prior narrations and the consensus of the Companions. Ahmad preferred combining both, using stones first followed by water, as it is more thorough for cleaning.