Is it permissible to use dung (Routh) or bones (Idham) for Istinja?
Chapter on Cleaning oneself (Istitabah) and Impurity (Hadath)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The majority of scholars, including Al-Thawri, Al-Shafi'i, and Ishaq, hold that Istinja with dung or bones is not permissible. This is supported by explicit prohibitions from the Prophet (peace be upon him). A narration states, 'Do not perform Istinja with dung or bones, for they are the provision of our brothers among the Jinn.' Another valid narration states that they do not purify. The prohibition implies invalidity and non-sufficiency.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa permits Istinja with both, viewing them as agents that dry impurity and cleanse the area, making them equivalent to stones. Malik permitted Istinja with the pure parts of these materials.